Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, I have been reading through the threads on white butterfly/caterpillar infestation. Have just returned from a week away to find my colli's, broccoli, cabbage mostly gone and now they are working on the boc choi. I have read through the threads on the use of Dipel. But I am a little confused as to wether this is safe to use. I have removed by hand as many caterpillars as I can but would like to get on top of them. Is Dipel safe with fish? Is there something else I can use?

The Yates website says to keep used containers away from rivers and streams??? Indicating that maybe it isn't good to use around fish.

Sorry if this is an often repeated question but the many threads containing the subject aren't clear. Thanks in advance.

Dipel is fine - foliar spray with it on the plants - don't add it to the fish water.

Thanks I will give it a go.

My fish love catepillars.

Well I have given them a spray. Hopefully that ends that. Is there some way of keeping the butterfly's away rather than spraying? I have my fish and veggies in a greenhouse, my big issue is getting the good bugs in, as in bees etc for pollination. So I leave all the doors and windows open to allow them access on the warm days. Interestingly I also planted a few collies outside, and these have fared better than the ones in the green house. The caterpillars are evident there as well, but to date there is still some leaves left.

can't have your cake and eat it too on this one unfortunately..

You could screen off the greenhouse with shadecloth, flyscreen or fine insect nettings (like mosquito nettings, eg http://www.veggiepatch.com.au/)

..but then you limit the movement of the beneficials like you say

I think you've taken the right steps with the Dipel. If I recall correctly, when I last read the pack of Yates Dipel it said the Bacillus thuringiensis (active ingredient) would not harm beneficials

I was told to use egg shells, just make your breakfast and then put them under your plants. I guess the there is something in the shell the caterpillar doesn't like and they go away...... worth a try

Actually the egg shells are supposed to work by tricking the moth into thinking there is already another moth present so they go somewhere else to lay their eggs. Good in theory but a bit hit and miss in my opinion.

I might have to give it a try. Still finding caterpillars even after the use of Dipel. I don't like to spray

Dipel(BT) doesn't kill them quickly. They have to ingest it, then they will die after a few days. They will stop eating shortly after eating the leaves sprayed with the BT though. So damage should be limited. Spinosad is another good AP safe product, OMRI rated that is safe for AP. It works a little faster on soft bodies insects...aphids, caterpillars.

eggs shells did not work for me - they also got covered in algae eventually - packing chips on cotton thread may be worth a go.

dipel (bacillus thurgensis) is totally safe for your ap system

Had the same trouble here last year, they love Brasica's, I was using dipel every couple of days initially then once a week. Ive put a bug net over them this season hopefully that will keep the buggers off them

Also, encourage wasps to the area..they will eat the little bastards.lol

you can stretch your dollar further by dividing up the Dipel sachet and mixing only what's required as the mixed solution doesn't keep.
I find 1L (1gram Dipel) is more than enough to cover my 4 bathtub system