Cabbage eating Pest

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Greybelle, May 29, 2020.

  1. Greybelle

    Greybelle Gardener

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    Can anyone identify what is eating these cabbage leaves. Very rapid nibbling it is too! The ground has been Nemaslugged to diminish slugs. Thought it might be the cabbage white butterfly problem but there are no eggs on the leaves and no caterpillars for identification. Thanks.
     

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  2. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    Pigeon(s). The leaves have been torn rather than nibbled by small catterpillar mouths. A rabbit would have eaten bigger chunks/whole leaves.
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Does look like caterpillars, but I think you need to go out after dark with a torch, could be snails.
       
    • Greybelle

      Greybelle Gardener

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      I'm handicapped so I can't get into the garden at night, but there are no slime trails anywhere. However, there are several wood pigeons around. I'll keep an eye out to see if our feathered friemds are abusing their garden privileges. Thanks a lot for the advice.
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        You need netting, pigeons will keep coming back till there is nothing left.

        Probably too early in the year for Caterpillars.

        I use butterfly netting which has smaller gaps to keep them out too, although they still sometimes find a way in.
         
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