Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Caterpillars, leafrollers
Question:	I think leafrollers (worms) that roll up are destroying my vinca groundcover every year. It comes back but looks really awful for 3-4 months. Is there anything I can spray to prevent these? I would like to use something that will not kill the butterflies, lightning bugs and/or harm the birds. We live on a creek and have an interesting variety of wildlife in the back and wouldn't want to harm them.
Answer:	Use one of the Bacillus thuringiensis products for caterpillars like Dipel, Thuricide, Worm Killer, etc. Whichever one is available in your area is fine. The BT products work on caterpillars so they may control the caterpillars of butterflies too. The lightning bugs and birds should not be affected by those products.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg264.html
Related Link:
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.