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Viburnum beetle was named as the number one pest by the RHS in 2010, stealing the crown from slugs and snails. It's native to the UK, but is becoming more widespread. Most of the leaf damage is caused by the stripey, beige-coloured larvae, though

lookout after dark. In the greenhouse or conservatory, you could use the biological control Trichogramma brassicae, which is a tiny wasp that targets caterpillar eggs.The moment you find signs of caterpillars, spray the plants with pyrethrum.just about

, and can be picked off by hand.The moment you spot an infestation, spray them with pyrethrum. If the plants are in flower, spray in the evening, so pollinating insects aren't affected.verbascum, buddleia, figwortsmid-spring to midsummerMore advice

one edge. Brush the clean edge of the card over the top of your plants - when the beetles hop into the air they'll stick to the grease. Repeat as necessary.Use pyrethrum chemical controls, or spray seedling brassicas with a thiacloprid insecticide

The caterpillars of both the small and large cabbage white butterflies are are the two culprits. The first is pale green with a body up to 2.5cm long, the second is bigger at 4cm and is yellow with black markings. The adult butterflies lay eggs

be used on houseplants and in greenhouses to attack the western flower thrips. Organic pesticide sprays are available, which are based on plant oils or pyrethrum.Ornamental plants can be sprayed with insecticides containing imidacloprid with methiocarb

with your other hand. The disturbed leafhoppers should become stuck to the card and can then be disposed of. Alternatively, spray with organic pesticides based on pyrethrum in spring and summer.In spring and summer, use a pesticide containing thiacloprid