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vapourer moth caterpillar - problem?

staffsmagsstaffsmags Posts: 230
in Plants
I have quite a few of what I think are vapourer moth caterpillar.  Mostly on an Acer but on other plants too.  Are then a 'pest' and should I dispose of them?  I'm quite happy to let them chew just a few leaves if that's all they want!  Thanks, Mags

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    They're part of our wildlife. Pest is a label applied by gardeners and encouraged by manufacturers of pesticides


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • staffsmagsstaffsmags Posts: 230

    :( Perhaps I used the wrong word.   Will they damage my plants?

    Should I remove them from my acer, strawberries plants, tomato plants and anywhere else I find them?   

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    The RHS  website says

    "The presence of the caterpillars of this moth rarely cause significant damage in gardens and it can usually be tolerated. Caterpillars, and associated moths, are important as a food source for other garden wildlife and so should be preserved where possible."

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • staffsmagsstaffsmags Posts: 230
    Dove - Thanks for helpful answer. Mags
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