What's it look like?

Cabbage moths have a wingspan of only about 1cm and are grey/brown in color. The larvae are only tiny and often go unseen. You'll probably notice a skeletonizing of the leaves before you see the pest.

What it attacks

The cabbage moth feeds on all cruciferous plants including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts etc. The larvae will eat all parts of the plant and will often eat small seedlings to the ground. On older plants, the soft new leaves around the heart can be attacked, ruining crops with small caterpillars, webbing and droppings. Often plants are covered in many small holes on the leaves. The cabbage moth tends to be more prevalent in hot dry areas than more tropical regions.

What to do before it arrives

Try confusing the cabbage moth by mixing up your crops. Strong smelling herbs and flowers planted around your cabbages will put the cabbage moth off the scent! These insects have poor eyesight and actually smell their way around the garden instead. So I suggest using plants like sage, dill, lavender and tansy for best deterrant effect.

Adult cabbage moths are said to prefer the flowers of cruciferous plants and will lay eggs close to where they feed. So allow some of your old plants to go to seed and then the larvae will feed on leaves underneath the flowers, tending to leave your seedlings alone.

What to do if you already have problems

Squash any cabbage moth larvae by hand and leave them for predators to find. Wasps and birds may help control the population naturally.

Use Bt (Dipel) or spray with deterrant sprays like wormwood, garlic, chilli or even try dusting with white pepper.