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Hi /out/
I have a serious problem with these tiny green caterpillars/inchworms... Some are smaller than the diameter of a penny, while other, larger ones are about the diameter of a quarter. They have wrecked my borage, basil, and bee balm plants by eating the leaves and I see tiny brown/black specks all over the leaves with holes in them (I'm assuming these are the eggs)
What is the best method to take out these caterpillar eggs? I also have a problem (though not as severe as the caterpillars) with tiny green leafhoppers. The borage is already flowering so I'm worried about using a strong pesticide because the bees are visiting the borage now, and I don't want to hurt them at all. How can I take these caterpillars out (the larvae/worms, eggs, as well as prevent the adult moths/butterflies from laying eggs) while keeping the bees safe? I've also seen a few wasps/yellow jackets which I've heard will eat the larvae so I'd like to not hurt them either...
Pic related, these are what I've been finding chewing up the leaves....
Also, what companion plantings would eliminate these butterflies/moths/caterpillars from appearing? I thought borage was protected against them due to the sharp/spiny leaves and stems but alas, they aren't hurting the caterpillars at all! Also, surprisingly, the caterpillars are choosing to eat the borage, basil, and nasturtium leaves opposed to the tomato plants I have growing...