# Caterpillers in the buds **URL:** \ **Category:** Troubleshooting\ **Tags:** flowering\ **Created:** [June 17, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307 "2020-06-17T17:30:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![skiman66](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@skiman66](https://ilgmforum.com/u/skiman66)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/1 "2020-06-17T17:30:29Z")
The leaves were turning yellow and dying, I thought it was a virus. Now I just found caterpillars in the buds. Where do they come from and how do I avoid getting them and how do I get rid of them? These plants are ruined now right? Please help me. ---
**Author:** ![Zee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/zee/32/324068_2.png) [@Zee](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Zee)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2020, 5:48pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/2 "2020-06-17T17:48:47Z")
Welcome to the forum great people around to help you. Please post some pictures in natural light. ---
**Author:** ![Hellraiser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/hellraiser/32/294013_2.png) [@Hellraiser](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Hellraiser)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/3 "2020-06-17T18:25:15Z")
They generally come from moths, they lay eggs on your plants. the eggs hatch into caterpillars and they start eating your buds. Horrible thing to happen to your plants. You need something with Bacillus Thuringiensis in it to kill them. This would work and is safe for humans/mammals > **[Amazon.com: Safer Brand 5163 Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate, 16 Oz : Patio,...](https://www.amazon.com/Safer-Brand-Caterpillar-Killer-Concentrate/dp/B00GVKZG8E?tag=ilovegrowingm-20)** > > Safer Brand 16 oz. Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate kills worms and caterpillar stage insects but has no effect on birds, earthworms, or beneficial insects when used as directed. The caterpillars and worms that are damaging your plants will stop... I’d do a bud wash after harvest to clean out all the caterpillar poop. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/7/a/0/7a054d4bb21fc03587ee3a5800ec42f846228aaa.jpeg "Full bud washing tutorial") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDgd5lhMRvw) ---
**Author:** ![skiman66](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@skiman66](https://ilgmforum.com/u/skiman66)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/4 "2020-06-17T19:23:29Z")
So how do you do a bud wash? > [External Media](https://sjc3.discourse-cdn.com/business6/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/hellraiser/45/294013_2.png "Media hosted on another site. Click to open in a new tab.") | [Hellraiser](https://ilgmforum.com/u/hellraiser) > June 17 | > > - | - | They generally come from moths, they lay eggs on your plants. the eggs hatch into caterpillars and they start eating your buds. Horrible thing to happen to your plants. You need something with Bacillus Thuringiensis in it to kill them. This would work and is safe for humans/mammals [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Safer-Brand-Caterpillar-Killer-Concentrate/dp/B00GVKZG8E/ref=sr_1_5?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/original/4X/c/6/b/c6b76ebad656d56c974f9789df90596b4159053b.jpeg) ### [Amazon.com : Safer Brand 5163 Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate, 16 oz : Garden…](https://www.amazon.com/Safer-Brand-Caterpillar-Killer-Concentrate/dp/B00GVKZG8E/ref=sr_1_5?tag=ilovegrowingm-20) [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) : Safer Brand 5163 Caterpillar Killer II Concentrate, 16 oz : Garden & Outdoor I’d do a bud wash after harvest to clean out all the caterpillar poop. [https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDgd5lhMRvw](https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDgd5lhMRvw?autoplay=1&feature=oembed&wmode=opaque) ---
**Author:** ![Hellraiser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/hellraiser/32/294013_2.png) [@Hellraiser](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Hellraiser)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2020, 7:27pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/5 "2020-06-17T19:27:18Z")
> [@skiman66](#): > > So how do you do a bud wash? Watch the youtube video I embedded/linked which is a full bud washing tutorial. ---
**Author:** ![AAA](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/aaa/32/216389_2.png) [@AAA](https://ilgmforum.com/u/AAA)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2020, 7:58pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/6 "2020-06-17T19:58:07Z")
this work too: > **[Trichogramma brassicae](https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/trichogramma-brassicae-moth-egg-control/pest-solver-guide-caterpillars-moths)** > > Trichogramma brassicae is especially useful for controlling moth populations on cole crops. Use T. brassicae in cooler climates with low-lying plants affected by caterpillar and/or borer damage. > Timing the release is important – if you... ---
**Author:** ![Cannabian](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/cannabian/32/385139_2.png) [@Cannabian](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Cannabian)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2020, 3:06am UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/7 "2020-06-18T03:06:43Z")
i squish them with my fingers. Until they pop! Little bastards! ---
**Author:** ![AAA](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/aaa/32/216389_2.png) [@AAA](https://ilgmforum.com/u/AAA)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2020, 1:33pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/8 "2020-06-19T13:33:58Z")
You don’t eat them? ---
**Author:** ![skiman66](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@skiman66](https://ilgmforum.com/u/skiman66)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/9 "2020-06-19T15:49:35Z")
dumb ass ---
**Author:** ![Cannabian](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/cannabian/32/385139_2.png) [@Cannabian](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Cannabian)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2020, 4:12pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/10 "2020-06-19T16:12:22Z")
sometimes! Depends on size? If i can get a full handful, well then, get out the frying pan… ---
**Author:** ![AAA](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/aaa/32/216389_2.png) [@AAA](https://ilgmforum.com/u/AAA)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2020, 4:22pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/11 "2020-06-19T16:22:22Z")
Nice. Probably healthier for us than farmed cattle! ---
**Author:** ![Cannabian](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/growingmarijuana/user_avatar/ilgmforum.com/cannabian/32/385139_2.png) [@Cannabian](https://ilgmforum.com/u/Cannabian)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2020, 4:29pm UTC](https://ilgmforum.com/t/caterpillers-in-the-buds/47307/12 "2020-06-19T16:29:02Z")
weed fed!