Question
I have a friend who lives in Spring Hill, FL. She has a lot of Blue Daze plants which get killed every year by a moth similar to a clothes moth. When she weeds these little bugs come up from out of the ground and fly away. She never sees them on the plant so they must be around the root. She has tried Demon with no luck and moth balls work until it rains. What are these bugs and how can she control them. Thanks.
Jane

Answer
Jane, these are most likely coddling moths.  They are very prevalent in the home garden and can do much damage to plants.

The best product I have found to control moths and their larvae is a product called 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 and beneficials but highly effective against coddling moths, caterpillars and hornworms.  You can purchase this product through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive or locally at many garden centers.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike