I had the misfortune to find out that the gypsy moth caterpillars like this type of rose. And didn't find out it was prone to caterpillars until this week. I managed to hand pick them off and put them in a plastic container filled with warm water and dish detergent soap. Then when finished I tossed water with them in it over on to the vacant lot that is all dirt and where the local grocery store once stood. I have found one on it today so pulled it off and pitched it over onto the same lot. When I asked about one of the garden centre employees what would be the best bet to use on them she said the BK one but since it is such a bad year this year for them everybody was buying it from them with result being they are out of stock on it and have no idea when they will be getting anymore in. Said there was the Safer bug spray too but were out of stock on it too. But hoped to get more in sometime this week. I only have the one for indoor plants.

I also was talking to the lady whom I am friendly with as she and I at one time shared a flower garden out the front. Anyway she now has one out the back up against the fence and it was also that the two of us saw a clearwing come to her phlox!!!!!! Got pictures of it. What an fascinating cute thing it is!!!!! She said she just sprays her flowers and plants with garlic powder and water. And I have not seen any caterpillars on any of hers!!!! I came across a recipe online where one adds 2 cups of water and 2 tbsp of garlic powder. Mix it up and then spray on plants. If it rains will have to reapply it. Sooo how much do I use on each plant or do I mix up the above and spray it on all the leaves.?? Will it also recover from them. Here is a picture of it. Not sure if it would help wrapping the stem as they can still climb up the wall of the building. But maybe spraying it with that garlic solution might deter them.