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barry · Joined: 07 Nov 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Walsall

I have some hedging roses around the outside of my property which I keep trimmed to about 3 foot high. (I live opposite a school). They generally look after themselves and i trim them twice a year. Last year, when I went to trim them in May/June I saw some small (half inch) yellowy-green caterpillars eating the leaves. I sprayed with some general insect killer but couldn't stop them. They eventually devoured about fifteen foot of hedge (leaves). Any advice as to what I should do this year?
Thanks
Barry

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4249 Location: Bath

The old way was to spray young foliage with DDT> BHC> derris> or trichlorphon, spray should be repeated from time to time so the young foliage is coated with the poison.

Hand picking is also a good idea and don't forget the curled leave that may be hiding any caterpillars.

Ask at your garden center what they have.

barry · Joined: 07 Nov 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Walsall

Thanks for the advice Mr Thescruff. I think last year I didn't spray regularly. I'll check with the garden centre and spray every couple of weeks this spring. The hedge is abour fifty feet long so it's a bit difficult to 'pick out'.
Barry

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4249 Location: Bath

About once a month should do, unless you spot the blighters before hand.

I have a 12 ft Christmas tree in the front garden and its covered with little green snails every summer, I mean thousands of the **

One of these days I'm gonna cut it down just to spite them Laughing