By Garrett Okrasinski
Worm
Sitting at my desk today, I looked out horrified to see two white moths flying around. “Cabbage moth” “Cabbage butterfly” or Pieris rapae, though some may think they look beautiful flying around the garden is actually a huge pest. Cabbage moths get their name from its notorious munching on your cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, turnips, kale and collards (amongst many other things).
Not native to North America, the cabbage moth was accidentally introduce in the early 1890s and has spread quickly! They now are common problems for most farmers in the Pacific Northwest.
If you notice your hearty leaves appearing to being eaten, or you find black droppings on the leaves, or even more apparent, you see white moths…chances are you might have a cabbage moth infestation. Most prevalent in the spring, the moths are awaking from winter and are hungry to feed themselves and to lay eggs. Eggs tend to be laid under the leaves and hatch in about 4 days. Once eggs hatch, you now have a caterpillar to battle, as they too will eat holes in your leaves and potentially devour your plant. If ignored you will find your most promising cabbage half gone… unfortunately I know.
Moth
This year I resolved battling the caterpillar and moth head on.
There are numerous ways try and mitigate the damage to you plants. Below are three ways I have and will tried to control them.
- Barriers: Create a barrier between your plant and the moth. I have found row cover (that you may use for frost protection) works well. Some people may use tulle or other light fabrics. As long as you are allowing air and light to your plants but are preventing the moth from landing and laying eggs it should do the trick.
- Hand picking the caterpillars: In the evening, I have found it is very helpful to spend a few minutes picking off the caterpillars. Depending on your garden size and the size of your infestation, picking off the caterpillars can not only be helpful but very satisfying. They also make for a good chicken treat!
- Biological pesticide: BT or Bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occurring bacteria that effects in digestion for the caterpillars. It does not harm any insects that do not consume the treated leaves. Apply in the evening between rains. Some BT products can be mixed with molasses so it sticks to waxy leaves. BT is broken down by sunlight so it needs to be repeated every few days.
Currently I am using the row cover to protect my young cabbages!
I hope this helps prevent further devouring of our loved greens!
I'd love to hear from you!