Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 4/4/2010

Question
Hello, i asked a question not too long ago regarding a pest problem i was having with my plants. If i remember correctly, the Noisy Miner bird that we have "adopted" was concluded as the likely cause of destruction to my plants. I believe this was true, after catching the bird numerous times on my plants pecking at insects that have been caught. Since seeing this, i have now re-potted and individually covered all my plants with various grates and bird cage tops i found lying around in the garden.

The bird can no longer get to touch my plants but i believe to have still noticed some damage going on, namely my Flytraps which have some large rips on a few of the traps. This morning i inspected very closely and could see atleast two very small insects which i believe to be aphids. Im guessing they are still causing some damage, but i had also seen a small brown caterpillar on the traps prior to re-potting them...so whether such tiny insects could cause such big rips in the flytraps i do not know. I have also speculated that wasps could have caused these rips, after all there are many in my backyard around this time and both my Flytraps and Sarracenias do regularly catch wasps.

Any advice would be much appreciated, and i would also very much appreciate any suggestions to what pesticide to use on the plants if indeed necessary.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Alexander,

Caterpillars are the next likely suspect if you're still seeing chew marks and rips on your plants.  While aphids will also damage your plant, they don't produce rips and torn leaves.  In any case, spray your plants with a garden insecticide.  Most insecticides are safe for carnivorous plants.  However, avoid soap solutions, sometimes promoted as natural alternatives to insecticides.  Soap solutions work well for garden plants, but not for carnivorous plants.  Check with your local garden center for available products.  Since I don't know what is available in your area, you will need to consult with someone at the store for an appropriate insecticide for aphids and caterpillars.  As always, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin