Eliminating Caterpillars from Baby Sage Plants

As a delicate, tender herb, baby sage plants are especially vulnerable to leaf-munching caterpillars. From tomato hornworms to cabbage loopers, many caterpillar species can quickly defoliate young sage plants. Taking prompt action to control these crawling pests is crucial to prevent extensive damage. Thankfully, gardeners have access to several highly effective remedies for ridding baby sage of unwelcome caterpillars.

Identifying Common Caterpillars on Sage

The first step is recognizing what type of caterpillar is attacking your baby sage Some possibilities include

• Tomato hornworms – Large, green worms with white v-shaped marks. Feed on tomato, pepper, eggplant and sage

• Cabbage loopers – Pale green inchworms with white stripes. Feed on cruciferous plants and sage.

• Tent caterpillars – Hairy caterpillars that form dense silken nests on branches Will devour sage leaves

• Cutworms – Plump, brown or gray worms that hide in soil and emerge at night to feed. Cut off young sage at soil line.

Closely inspect leaves and stems for caterpillar activity like holes, chew marks, frass, and silk. Identify the pest so you can customize your control plan.

Handpicking Caterpillars

Manually removing caterpillars is the simplest organic solution for minor infestations. Check baby sage daily and pick off any caterpillars you find. Drop them into soapy water or seal in a plastic bag to dispatch them. Handpicking works best for large hornworms and loopers.

Knock Them Off with Water

Give plants a strong spray of water to knock caterpillars off leaves if they are swarming your baby sage. The force of the water will dislodge them. Follow up by handpicking any creatures that remain. Repeat daily to protect new growth.

Apply Natural Repellents

Certain natural substances deter caterpillars through smell, taste or feel:

• Spray plants with garlic, onion or hot pepper solutions – caterpillars dislike the strong scent and flavor.

• Coat leaves with lightweight horticultural oil or insecticidal soap – interferes with caterpillar movement and feeding.

• Dust diatomaceous earth on leaves – microscopic particles scratch insect cuticles causing dehydration.

Reapply these organic repellents after rain or watering to maintain protection.

Invite Predatory Insects

Encouraging beneficial predatory insects is a biological control strategy. Ladybugs, praying mantises, ground beetles, and parasitic wasps all prey on caterpillars. Plant nectar-rich flowers near your baby sage to attract these predators. You can also purchase them from garden supply stores.

Apply Bacillus thuringiensis

This natural bacteria produces toxins that target caterpillar intestines but are safe for people and plants. Spray Bt on baby sage according to label instructions to kill hornworms, loopers and other leaf-chewing larvae. It must be eaten to be effective.

Use Spinosad-Based Products

Spinosad is an organic-approved caterpillar killer derived from beneficial soil microbes. Monterey Garden Insect Spray and other spinosad products can safely knock down heavy infestations of hornworms, loopers, leafrollers and more on baby sage.

Control Cutworms at Soil Level

Since cutworms chew through young sage stems at the soil line, you need to deter them before they climb up your plants. Wrap cardboard collars around each stem or place cutworm barriers made of cereals, crushed eggshells or abrasive diatomaceous earth around the base of each plant.

Row Covers Prevent Infestations

Installing floating row covers over your baby sage can exclude nearly all caterpillars, preventing them from ever reaching your plants. Use hoops to drape the lightweight fabric over plants without touching them. Seal the edges with soil.

Organic Pesticides for Severe Problems

As a last resort if all other methods fail, certain OMRI-listed caterpillar pesticides can control heavy infestations on baby sage:

• Azadirachtin (neem oil extract) – disrupts caterpillar growth and feeding habits

• Bt-kurstaki – targets common vegetable worms

• Spinosad – knocks down all larval stages

Always follow label precautions when using these organic pesticides around edible plants. Stick to limited spot treatments.

Stop Caterpillars Before They Start

Prevention is key to protect vulnerable baby sage plants from caterpillar damage. Here are some proactive tips:

• Remove eggs from undersides of leaves before they hatch

• Weed garden areas to eliminate caterpillar food sources

• Use row covers at first planting to exclude moths and butterflies

• Rotate sage location in garden each year to disrupt caterpillar life cycles

With close monitoring and early intervention, you can keep baby sage plants caterpillar-free without resorting to toxic chemicals. Combine multiple organic control methods for the fastest results. Your diligence will pay off in vibrant, verdant baby sage.