black caterpillars on leaves

by Eva Tomlin
(Maidstone kent)

I have lots of black caterpillars on my lilly leaves eating them away,how can I get rid of them please?

Doug says this is always an interesting question because chemicals that kill caterpillars tend to do terrible things to fish and other aquatic life. The simple way is to use a strong jet of water and hose them off the lilies. If you have fish - they may eat them. Otherwise, scoop them up with a fine mesh net and dispose of them by dropping them into a bucket of hot soapy water. Then pour water onto compost pile.

Having said that, there is a form of Bt that is specific to caterpillars that won't harm fish. The problem with spraying it on water lilies is that it's lifetime in water is not great and it gets washed off very quickly.

My .02 is to go with the strong jet of water if the infestation is threatening your lilies.