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Caterpillars are young moths and butterflies in their larval stage. They can cause damage to plants or other materials when they eat. Some even have hairs or hooks that can sting when touched. For some people, chewing damage can cause big problems in their home, yard, garden, or crop. But not all caterpillars cause damage. Some, like monarch butterfly caterpillars, are beneficial because the adult butterflies are pollinators in our environment.
There are many different types of caterpillars. Examples include:
Depending on the caterpillar, they may only eat specific foods. And although it’s usually the caterpillar that causes damage, they might be named for the adult moth or butterfly they turn into. For these reasons, learning about the caterpillar you’re dealing with is important for control.
Consider these tips when controlling caterpillars:
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Through its county agents, the Cooperative Extension Service gives individuals access to the resources at land-grant universities across the nation. These universities are centers for research in many subjects, including entomology (the study of insects) and agriculture. Each county within the United States has an Extension office, which is staffed with agents who work closely with university-based Extension specialists to deliver answers to your questions about gardening, agriculture, and pest control. You can find the phone number for your local county extension office in the local government section (often marked with blue pages) of your telephone directory or by clicking on the map below.
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