Garden

[flickerbulb]

I have some lovely Snow on the Mountain plants that are covered with little green caterpillars. They LOVE the leaves on this plant and have chewed almost everything.

I sprayed the leaves heavily with Dawn and water. I went back the next day and they were still there. Many were gone, but not all.

I added cooking oil, baking soda and Dawn and STILL have them.

I have used insecticidal soap in the past which worked but I am trying to use natural products. Any suggestions for a natural mix?

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Don't know where you are, but if you have significant fall/winter seasons, I would just let it go.  Those plants would be going dormant soon anyway and those could be butterfly or moth larvae that are getting a last meal before pupation.

[flickerbulb]

I live in S. Fl and there will not be a cold snap for a few months. The insects down here have the opportunity for a year long feeding fest. These caterpillars need to go!

I think one or two more doses of the Dawn treatment will knock the rest of them out. There are a fraction there compared to when I started.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Gotcha.  I used to live in Hawaii and we had our share of insects.

Good luck and happy gardening.