Young azalea caterpillars are small, green worms that grow into medium, purple worms and then into large, black and yellow-striped worms with red heads and prolegs. They are sometimes called Labor Day worms, because so many folks discover them around Labor Day. Azalea caterpillars are gregarious in the larval stage, which makes their control relatively easy. However, because the worms feed in groups, they often completely defoliate a portion of a plant before they are detected. There is only one generation per year. The adult moths emerge in early summer and deposit eggs in masses of 80 to 100 on a leaf. As the larvae mature, they consume more and more of the leaf. Most of the damage occurs in August and September. Azalea caterpillars can be shaken from the shrub and trampled underfoot. Sevin, Orthene, Marvrik, and pyrethrin-based insecticides should give adequate control as well if you don’t mind using insecticides.

Leisa, I like your idea of making a pledge on Earth Day. Next year, why don’t you issue a challenge to your friends and family? I will certainly participate!

Frankly, in addition to the benefits to the earth, cloth bags don’t pile up at my house like the plastic. (I think the plastic bags breed!). And I don’t have to find a place to store them like I do the plastic. AND you can get more in the cloth bags–especially those awesome green Publix bags which I use for everything. So fewer trips to unload the groceries. I seriously love them. And remember, the grocery store is not the only place to think about your bagging choices.