Worms on Basil Leaves

Question

I noticed some time ago that my basil plant was being eaten by some type of worm. Then one day it was almost all gone. When I started inspecting every leaf, I came across two fat worms encased in silk. What were they?

Answer 1

It is hard to say for certain what type of caterpillar these are, but Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) spray can quickly eradicate these leaf and stem-eating worms. It is a safe, biological insecticide. In fact, Bt a bacterium which is toxic to many moth and butterfly larvae (caterpillars) and will not harm the plants or other beneficial creatures.