I have 3 plants, a dwarf hemlock, balsam fir and sky pencil (japanese holly) that have been plagued by little green caterpillars (about 1/2 inch long). Does anyone have any tips for pest control? The leaves on the sky pencil have been completed destroyed, but I would like to protect the other 2 plants, where I have only seen the symptoms in the past 2 weeks. The caterpillars are nested in the joints of branches, and it is not until the nearly dead and damaged needles are removed, that they often contain a small caterpillar within. I am concerned that if I use an insecticide, it will damage the balsam fir. Is it best to remove them by hand - the plants are not large and are relatively young (3 years). I have never had caterpillar problems in the past - has anyone else noticed this? Thanks for your help.
