OLEANDER CATERPILLAR BUGS AND MOTHS PEST CONTROL EXTERMINATOR BONITA SPRINGS NAPLES FORT MYERS FLORIDA

OLEANDER CATERPILLARS

AND MOTHS

 

            The spotted Oleander Caterpillar is one of only three species of caterpillars that may be found feeding on Oleander plants in Florida. This Caterpillar feeds only on Oleander plants, a plant that is poisonous to most animals.  At maturity, the orange-red caterpillar with black tufts of hair is 2 inches in length. The spotted Oleander caterpillar is a recent immigrant to the U.S. first recorded in Florida in Boca Raton and Palm Beach in February 1978.  It is a native of the Caribbean region from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Its range now extends from South Florida to most coastal regions of the southeastern States.  Cold weather in northern and north-central Florida usually kills the Oleander Caterpillar but it is a year round inhabitant of south Florida.

            Adult Oleander Moths are sometimes called the “polka-dot wasp moth.”  The moth’s body and wings are a beautiful iridescent blue/green.  Small white dots are found on the body, wings, legs, and antennae, and the tips of the abdomen is red/orange.  They are slow flying and active during the daylight hours.

            This caterpillar pest is a concern on this ornamental plant, and can cause considerable defoliation in the southern regions of Florida.  Total defoliation will not kill the plant.

            Stink Bugs, Imported Fire Ants, and some flies and wasps are nature predators of the Spotted Oleander Caterpillar.  Collier Pest Control, Southwest Florida’s Pest Authority, can help you with the Spotted Oleander Caterpillars and moths.  If you live in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, or anywhere in Southwest Florida call our office or look us up on our website at collierpestcontrol.com for a complete explanation on how to control this caterpillar or on any our services.  Remember Florida does not have to live with pests.

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