Caterpillars after Harvest?

[jwsarge2]

Good morning,
3 days ago I harvested 2 plants which are currently drying in shallow open top cardboard boxes.. Today I found some small green caterpillars mixed in with the buds which are still not dried out. Is it to late to give the drying buds a spraying of neem oil or other insecticide designed to counter caterpillars given the buds are still pretty fresh? Any input will be most appreciated. Thank you and stay safe...

[lalaland]

Definitely not Neem oil or insecticide at this point. You could try washing it in a 5-10% peroxide solution, but even that is iffy if your bud has already been drying for 3 days. That’s usually done at harvest

[jwsarge2]

Thanks lalaland for your input,

Are you referring to Hydrogen Peroxide or some other type of Peroxide? I ask as Hydrogen Peroxide is 3% not 5-10%.

[lalaland]

Yes, hydrogen peroxide 3%, at a 5-10% ratio with water .

[jwsarge2]

Thanks lalaland for the clarification. The buds are still pretty moist, more so than dry so I think I will give that a try. Stay safe...

[lalaland]

May as well try, it’s not going to hurt anything but the caterpillars. Rinse it really well in water afterwards.
Good luck!

[jwsarge2]

Hi again lalaland,

I want to make sure I understand your suggestion:
1. is the ratio 1 oz Hydrogen Peroxide and 5-10 oz water or 1 oz water with 5-10 oz Hydrogen Peroxide? (i'm using oz vs parts)
2. washing the buds, spray them with the mixture of submerging the buds in the mixture.

I really appreciate your guidance and patience, last year my very small crop fell victim to bud rot and I really want to save this batch. Thanks again...

[lalaland]

Hey sarge.
no problem. Put 1 oz hydrogen peroxide to 9 oz water.
submerge the branches, and swish them lightly in the solution for a minute or so. Then do the same with fresh water afterwards. Make sure to air dry your buds out well when you are done to avoid rot

[jwsarge2]

Good evening lalaland,
Perfect explanation of the process, thank you so very much. Have a great night...

[lalaland]

You have a great night as well ! Good luck! Hope you can get rid of them