FlyTrapCare Forums

So I've got a Sarracenia that's been doing really well after its initial replanting shock, and I noticed a hole eaten into the bottom of one of the newer pitchers last week. I assumed it was a wasp or something, so I was bummed but not freaked.

I looked out today though, and now there's a giant hole eaten into the top of that pitcher, and another brand new pitcher (just opened 2 days ago) has a giant hole eaten into the top of it.

I also noticed spiderwebs inside of each of the pitchers.

What's going on? And how do I stop it before I lose the plant?

Edited to add pictures:

Pictures please

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Added some pictures!

As you can see- the holes are huge. Something on the larger side is eating these things alive.

I got these in the spring too. Was about to try a BT spray when they stopped.

Definitely caterpillars. Take a really close look at your plants to see if there are any eggs left, try to wipe out any caterpillars and moths you find in the area, and clean up the web structures (also made by the caterpillars).

Thanks for chiming in.

I'm having a hard time getting rid of them. I think they're in the pitcher, and the hole in one pitcher is getting bigger.

Are there any insecticides that can be used? I'm seriously worried this thing is going to die- most of its pitchers are dying off (normal age stuff), 2/3 new pitchers have giant holes in them. I've got one other pitcher that will be up in a few weeks, but these things are going to get the best of this plant. It's still small-ish.

I have used Bayer3-in-1 rose and flower spray on sarracenia. It has worked well and didn't harm the plants. I just mixed it according to the instructions.

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Thank you for the recommendation! I ordered some, and it'll be here tomorrow.

So stressful!

I hope you'll manage to get rid of them all!

KDLMaj wrote:Thank you for the recommendation! I ordered some, and it'll be here tomorrow.

So stressful!

I agree with the caterpillars diagnosis by the size of the damage. If you find holes right at the dead bug line inside the pitcher it's likely wasps or something eating its way out of jail, but holes at the top of the pitchers is deffinately a pest.
I highly recommend looking into Neem Oil or Neem Oil extract and mixing your own solution. It works for nearly all pests, prevents eggs from hatching, is a fungicide and is natural so you don't have to worry about what plants it gets on or if your pets get into it.