Control Leafrollers With No Insecticides
Handpick The Critters
If only a few caterpillars are present, they may be destroyed by handpicking. Crush the larvae in their rolled hideouts or drop the larvae into a container of soapy water. Also, if the infestation is light you can pinch off and destroy affected parts of the plant.
Control Leafrollers With A Pesticide
Using Natural Insect Repellents
There are several natural insect repellents that often kill leafrollers on contact, but then will create a bad taste for the critter and make it go someplace else to munch. Neem Oil Soap, Hot Pepper Wax, and Garlic Barrier all have this potential repellent capability when applied properly on the tops and the bottoms of leaves of the target plant. The repelling effect will last for several weeks to a month depending on the weather conditions. See the Natural Repellents in Yardener's Tool Shed.
Using Natural Insecticides
Neem oil soap is a natural insecticide that will kill leafrollers on contact and then repel new arrivals for about 2 weeks. Pyrethrum is made from chrysanthemum blossoms and is quite effective especially when applied directly to the pest. Go to the Natural Insecticides section in Yardener’s Tool Shed for details on each product.
Using Synthetic Insecticides
The pyrethroid class of insecticides are effective in controlling leafrollers. Go to Yardener's Tool Shed to check out the options in the Synthetic Insecticides section.
