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+--- Thread: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? (/showthread.php?tid=4067)
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Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - YurtGirl - 04-02-2008
Aloha all,
I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed a particularly vicious, relatively new species, the stinging nettle caterpillar? These buggers have spines that poke you and burn upon slightest contact, then turn to an insanely itchy spot for weeks... at least that's what my reaction is. They camoflage brilliantly... I'm wondering if their recent appearance in my yard doesn't have something to do with the brown spots on various palms in my yard, a brown sandy type substance is collected on the backs of many of the leaves. Any one else have either of these issues? There's a reference to them back in November, but no discussion after that.
YurtGirl
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - Guest - 04-02-2008
The Dept. of Ag. is asking people to report them when they find them.
974-4140 or 981-5194 on the Big Island
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - YurtGirl - 04-02-2008
quote:
Originally posted by Damon
The Dept. of Ag. is asking people to report them when they find them.
974-4140 or 981-5194 on the Big Island
Thanks Damon,
And what do they do when you report them?
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - Guest - 04-02-2008
quote:
Originally posted by YurtGirl
Thanks Damon,
And what do they do when you report them?
I guess you will have to tell us that [
][
]
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - YurtGirl - 04-02-2008
[quote]Originally posted by YurtGirl
[quote]Originally posted by Damon
The Dept. of Ag. is asking people to report them when they find them.
974-4140 or 981-5194 on the Big Island
__________________________________________________________________
OK, the number for B.I. changed to 981-2823. They recommend Bt to treat, but only after proper identification. Bt is rather specific in the things it will treat and, from what I've read, it is a safe alternative to nasty chemy's. The nettle's pupa is the size of a small seed and look something like the inside of a coconut husk, a bit hairy. Often found on the undersides of the fronds. It takes about a week for bt to work, as it works when the caterpillar eats the leaf... Not such a good solution in the rainy season then... Outdoor lighting at night with soapy water under the light can drown many of the egg-laying adults.
Good link: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/IP-22.pdf
The lady I spoke with also said that after a sting the best thing they've found to treat it is Dawn dish detergent, not another kind, just Dawn (hmm...). But I still am not sure why the brownish granules on the underside of the fronds... Perhaps it's another issue all together...
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - YurtGirl - 04-02-2008
quote:
Originally posted by Damon
quote:
Originally posted by YurtGirl
Thanks Damon,
And what do they do when you report them?
I guess you will have to tell us that [
BTW, Damon, THANKS! You are a wealth of information~[8D]
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - Guest - 04-02-2008
If a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly...
What does a Stinging Nettle Caterpillar morph into[:0] [?]
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - JerryCarr - 04-02-2008
Stinging nettle caterpillars morph into a dirty brown moth about the size of a dime. We have dramatically reduced our infestation level by using those bug zapper lights. They are essentially worthless in combatting mosquitoes, but they kill LOTS of those moths. Also, another way to lessen the effect of the stings is to make a paste of vinegar and baking soda and apply it as soon as possible after contact. Mix some vinegar and soda, and once the fizzing subsides, take the pasty residue and apply liberally to the sting. Leave the paste on there until it dries and flakes off on its own. This reduces blistering and the duration of itchy discomfort in the days to come.
Cheers,
Jerry
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - YurtGirl - 04-03-2008
Thanks Jerry! I'll be prepared next time I get stung! I thought of the zapper, but figured that would kill more than those wicked things, so I decided against it. And that ZAP! always bugged (pardon the pun) the heck out of me...
YurtGirl
RE: Damage to palms - Stinging Nettle Caterpillars? - Guest - 04-03-2008
quote:
Originally posted by YurtGirl
I thought of the zapper, but figured that would kill more than those wicked things, so I decided against it. And that ZAP! always bugged (pardon the pun) the heck out of me...
YurtGirl
That's the BEST PART OF THE ZAPPER.... hearing them buggahs Snap, Crackle and pop as they fry and sizzle to death![
]ZAP
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The more we speak up... the more they will listen.