Question
We have crepe myrtle trees in our back yard in Cocoa, Fl. that are over a year old. Yesterday, we found five weird looking "caterpillar's" eating up the leaves. Never have seen anything like them, nor on your web sites! Double spiked antenna on both ends of the body (quarter inch long), green bodies with a brown spot in the middle of the  back with a white circle around the spot! We hand-picked them off! Any suggestions on type of friendly spray to prevent reoccurrence. Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
John:
Your description may fit a "saddleback" catepillar.  Use your computer to "Google" images of these to see if this matches your critter. If it is a saddleback, the spines on the body can cause some skin irritation.

If your crapemyrtle is short enough and the number of caterpillars is small enough, just hand remove (with gloves!).No need for chemicals if the numbers are manageable. There is an organic material called Dipel or Thuricide that can be used. It is a biological insecticide for this group of insects.  It can be purchased at most garden centers and nurseries.  Another insecticide called Sevin is an option.  It is used on many types of plants for chewing type insects.

Best to get your caterpillar ID'd first before you buy any insecticides, since these products can be expensive.  Be sure to read the application information on the label.

Regards
Steve