Question
I live in Miami Beach, Florida, have a large Angel's Trumpet shrub (yes, I know the flowers could be poisonous), and it is infested with HUGE light green caterpillars that just eat up the WHOLE tree if left unchecked. I have been manually removing them (yuck)-is there another way?

I have also found these type of caterpillers on my tomatoes that I grew last year.

Thanks for your help!
Shoshana

Answer
Shoshana, caterpillars can be controlled with an organic microbial insecticide called Bacillus Thuringiensis, or more commonly known as BT.  BT bacteria paralyzes the digestive systems of caterpillars and cabbage worms, but is non-toxic to humans, beneficial insects, and the environment.  BT is commonly sold under the product names "Dipel" and "MVP", both of which can be purchased at most nurseries or garden centers in your area.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike