Hi--fellow gardeners. I have had problems with tiny worms eating lots of holes in my hibiscus plants every spring. I mash them with my fingers but would like to know how to prevent them from ever getting on the plant. Does anyone know what they are and if they are soil born or left by flying insects? Thanks for your info. Layla

I have had these tiny green caterpillars on my Hibiscus as well. I have been told to spray with soapy water?? Anyway, they do no REAL damage to the plant and I only see them in the Fall which is when they are eating their last meals before going into cocoon. You can, if you see them, pick them off (as I did the last few I say) or sqash them. New leaves grow back on the plant so I do not worry about it. Eventually the old-mostly eaten--leaves will fall off and in the Spring you will see the beautie of the fresh new leaves then the flowers. Here the bigger problem is aphids that come and lay eggs IN the seed pods right after the flowering is complete. Then in late Summer the tree is FULL of these nasty looking bugs. They also do not damage the tree but it sure looks nasty and complicate gathering of seeds!! hehehe I was told spraying frquently (after it rains etc) with soapy water should keep them off. Also a bird feeder close by and a water source will work wonders since birds LOVE these little nasty bugs!! And the caterpillars as well I bet!! To draw birds to the area is easy--simply buy one of the hook thingys or a stake and drive into the ground within sight of your afflicted trees/plants, hand a feeder there and keep it stocked with fresh food in Fall and Winter--all year round is good but it will be frequented more often when there are less food sources available. The birds will start to come to your feeder to dine and believe me they WILL notice the critters and they will start to pluck them off!!

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