No More Cabbage Worms Top Control Methods

Short and to the point information on how to treat Imported Cabbage Worm organically and expert tips on how to use BT insecticides most effectively to control this pest.
Host: Gary L. Heilig, Horticulture Educator (retired), Michigan State University Extension
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Transcript:
Imported cabbage worm came to the US from Europe by way of Canada (eh) in the mid 1800s.
It feeds on all of the cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, collards and cauliflower.
If not treated, the damage to cabbage for instance will be so severe as to make it undesirable to use and nobody wants to see green worms in the crevices of your broccoli.
So what is to be done?
Fortunately they are very easy to kill.
Just about any product labeled for vegetables will dispatch them.
A great organic solution is a bacterial preparation called BT which stands for
Bacillus thuringiensis
Examples of some product names include:
Some key points to remember
Start spraying when you first see the white butterflies laying egg ( it just takes a few seconds)
It works best when sprayed when the larvae are small
It must be eaten to be effective. It is a stomach poison so cover the upper and lower surfaces well when spraying.
Target pests die in 3-5 day
Application frequency 7-10 days
Sunlight causes Bt to degrade, and most formulations persist on treated foliage less than one week.
Heavy rain will wash it off the plant, so reapplication will be necessary
Avoid spray near plants that other butterflies feed on.
It can be stored 2-3 years if kept in a cool dark place, but try to purchase only what you need for the growing season.
I hope this was helpful
This is Gary.

[@mister-action1]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@GaryHeilig]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching