Question
This is a two-part question. a)I noticed that the leaves of my hibiscus plants were being eaten.  This morning I finally found the culprits...inchworms or caterpillars.  They look almost beige against the green leaves, but when I pulled them from the leaves, they looked greener. b) The leaves of my green, yellow and red pepper plants are being eaten also.  They are container planted in a completely different location.  My daughter noticed a large, fat caterpillar on one of them the other night.  I promptly removed it with a big flick onto the dry pavement.  I haven't seen any more, yet my leaves clearly are being consumed.  Question: How do I get rid of these pests before I have no plants standing?  I already have hit them with a water and Dawn dishwashing mixture.  I can't use pesticides on the food, and my dog likes the leaves of the plant next to the Hibiscus, so I am limited in my options.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Mollie, I always recommend organic controls, and the best on the market today for caterpillars is BT. BT is an organic insecticide, which is short for bacillus thuringiensis, more commonly sold under the brand names Dipel or MVP. It is a dust that is non-toxic to humans, pets, and beneficials, but highly effective against caterpillars and hornworms.  You can purchase this product through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive, Planet Natural, or locally at many garden centers.

Good luck, and please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike