Some species feed together in webs, so damage may be localized. Since caterpillars are butterfly larvae, some caterpillar damage should be expected in a butterfly garden. Large individual caterpillars such as the tomato hornworm are easy to find and remove by hand. Egg masses and groups of caterpillars found on trees or branches can be removed by hand and destroyed. For webworms in trees, tear an opening in the web nest so wasps and birds can attack the worms.
Caterpillars have many natural enemies such as birds and wasp and fly parasites.
Row covers are an effective barrier in vegetable gardens. Privacy Statement 2001 City of Austin, Texas . All Rights Reserved.