It’s caterpillar season, and they’re particularly keen on
fruit and veg! Whether you’re growing cabbages or currants, it’s worth keeping
an eye out for signs of leaf damage. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most
common caterpillar pests, the damage they cause, and how to manage them –
simply and effectively.
Signs to Watch For:
Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs of caterpillar activity:
- Defoliation – when leaves are stripped away
- Leaf scalloping – notched or wavy edges
- Holes in leaves – often irregular or clustered
- Skeletonised leaves – only the veins remain
- Webbing – fine silk left behind by certain larvae
- Droppings (frass) – tiny black or green pellets on leaves
Common Caterpillar Culprits:
Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common caterpillars to watch for in your fruit and veg patch:
- Sawfly Caterpillar – loves gooseberries and currants; quick to strip leaves
- Winter Moth – affects apples, pears, and plums; early defoliation
- Plum Moth – lays eggs in developing fruit; maggots inside plums
- Tortrix & Summer Fruit Tortrix Moth – leaf-rollers; also feed on fruit
- Codling Moth – classic “worm in the apple”
- Large & Small White Butterfly – common on brassicas like cabbages and broccoli
- Diamondback Moth – very small but can cause widespread damage to brassicas
- Cabbage Looper – eats large holes in leaves
- Crucifer Caterpillar – targets mustard family crops
- Pea Moth – lays eggs in pea flowers; larvae develop in pods
- Spinach Leaf Miner – tunnels inside leaves, leaving pale trails
Top Tip: Check your plants regularly – early action can stop a small problem becoming a big one!
Need help identifying what’s munching on your crops—or choosing the right treatment? Pop into the Garden Centre or bring in a photo – we’re happy to help!
Organic Options
• Hand-pick caterpillars early in the morning or evening
Caterpillars are easier to spot and remove when it’s cooler and they’re less active. Check the undersides of leaves and gently remove any you find. It’s not glamorous, but it’s very effective for small gardens or veg patches!
• Encourage birds and beneficial insects
Garden birds like tits and robins love a caterpillar snack. Make your garden wildlife-friendly with bird feeders, water, and shrubs. Ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps also help by preying on caterpillar eggs and larvae.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or natural pyrethrins
These are naturally derived pest controls suitable for organic gardens. Bt is a soil bacterium that targets only caterpillars, while pyrethrins (from chrysanthemum flowers) are broad-spectrum. These treatments are available from some online and specialist suppliers – just check the label to make sure they’re approved for use on edible crops.
• Barrier methods – insect-proof netting or fleece
Fine mesh netting or horticultural fleece placed over vulnerable crops prevents butterflies and moths from laying eggs. Just secure the edges and lift covers occasionally to water or weed.
Chemical Options
• Always choose a fruit and veg-safe insecticide
Use selective sprays suitable for edible crops, and avoid broad-spectrum products where possible.
• Apply in the early evening when bees aren’t active
This helps protect pollinators and gives the product time to work overnight.
• Follow label instructions carefully
Correct dilution and application are key to effectiveness and safety.
• Shop our range
We stock a selection of caterpillar control products in-store, including the Grazers range, which helps protect plants without harming pets, wildlife or pollinators. Pop in and ask if you need advice on what’s best for your garden.
Natural Ways to Protect Your Brassicas
Cabbage, kale, broccoli and other brassicas are favourites of cabbage whites and other caterpillar pests – but you can protect your crops with these easy, chemical-free tips:
• Use insect netting
Fine mesh netting placed over your plants prevents butterflies from laying eggs on the leaves.
• Encourage natural predators
Blue tits, sparrows and other garden birds are excellent caterpillar hunters. Attract them with feeders, water, and wildlife-friendly planting.
• Check for caterpillars and eggs daily
Look under leaves for tiny yellow eggs and remove them before they hatch. Hand-picking caterpillars can stop an infestation early.
• Companion planting with marigolds
Marigolds may help deter cabbage whites, but don’t plant them too close – they can sometimes reduce brassica root growth. A bit of distance still works well!