Caterpillar pressure continues to vary across Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Respondents in the Manatee-Ruskin region reported that populations are increasing. Melonworms in cucumber and squash were reported at moderate levels. Beet armyworms, cabbage loopers and a few hornworms were reported sporadically.
Caterpillars have also been very active in the North Florida region. Scouts are reporting populations at below normal levels in most areas, with some moderate levels of beet armyworms in pepper. Southern armyworms, hornworms, loopers and melonworms are also showing up.
Fall armyworms are moderate to high in corn around the Everglades Agricultural Area, which is normal this time of year.
Respondents around Homestead report that caterpillars have increased with the recent dry weather.