How to Identify Caterpillars on Beets

The beet armyworm is also known as "spodoptera exigua".

Several different species of caterpillars can attack beets during the growing season. A common species is called the beet armyworm. It is important to identify caterpillars on beets so that appropriate treatment can be applied to the plant.

Instructions

Signs of Caterpillar Activity

1. Caterpillar larvae devour the foliage of plants. Examine the beet foliage for damage, such as holes burrowed through the leaves or edges that have been chewed away.

2. Small caterpillar larvae leave strands of silk behind. Examine the beet foliage for a silvery film or web.

3. Caterpillars, including the beet armyworm, are most commonly identified when they occur in large numbers. Caterpillars are mostly green in color, and some are marked with stripes. The beet armyworm can be identified by a small black spot on each side of the second body segment behind the head.

4. To treat caterpillars on beets, you can simply pick them off by hand.

5. Another way to treat caterpillars on beets is to use a chemical spray. Two examples of this are pyrethrum and bifenthrin. (See Reference 3)

Tips & Warnings

• Insecticides such as pyrethrum and bifrenthin can only be used once during the growing season, and require at least one day between spraying and harvesting your plants. (See Reference 4). Always be careful when using chemicals in your garden.

References

• University of Idaho; Treatment Levels for Bean Aphids and Caterpillars on Sugar Beets; Robert L. Stoltz
• Agrilife Extension: Beet Armyworm
• Gardener's World: Caterpillars
• The Telegraph: Caterpillar Pests