"Caterpillar" is a catch-all name for the immature, larval stage of butterflies and moths. Like the adults they become, caterpillars are an extremely diverse group. Their species range from hundreds of types of small green caterpillars known as "inchworms" to large creatures that grow 4 inches long or more. Armyworms and cutworms belong to this pest group, as do the following caterpillar pests:
Like all insects, caterpillars have six legs. Located right behind their heads, these true legs complement fleshy false legs, called "prolegs," which help support the abdomen. Caterpillars always have some abdominal segments without either kind of leg. Prolegs help distinguish caterpillars from beetle larvae and other insect pests.
Caterpillar damage comes in various forms. Depending on the insect involved, these pests may chew flowers, leaves, fruits or grasses. Some types bore into trees and woody shrubs. Leaf-eating caterpillars can be voracious feeders. They chew large, irregular holes in leaves or decimate leaf margins. They'll also consume entire seedlings, leaves and flowers — and leave large droppings behind.
Sod webworms, a type of turf-damaging caterpillar, weave silky webs in lawn grasses as they chew off grasses at the base. Other types of turf-injuring caterpillars may chew grass tips or eat grass back to the ground, leaving large patches of yellow or brown grass in their path. Damage is often worse in lawn areas with poor drainage or heavy thatch.
Effective caterpillar control hits these pests where they live and eat. Watch your lawn and landscape for caterpillars and signs of chewed leaves and grass blades. Then treat promptly to stop damage in its tracks and protect against new caterpillars. Amdro® brand products can meet your needs whether your caterpillar pests feed on leaves or grass:
Egg-laying adult moths and butterflies are sure signs of caterpillars soon to come. When you see the adults, watch for eggs or newly hatched larvae, then treat your lawn grasses and landscape plants promptly.
* Except fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully, including pest-specific application rates.
Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.
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