Sawfly caterpillars (currant and gooseberry)
Pest Green caterpillars that strip the leaves from gooseberry and currant bushes.
What to look for
Small holes in leaves in late spring that grow rapidly, until only the veins remain. Pale green caterpillars with black spots feed in the centre of the bush.
When: April to August.
How to prevent it
- Inspect bushes from April, looking under the leaves near the centre of the bush for the first small holes.
- Fork over soil under bushes in winter to expose pupae.
How to deal with it
- Pick off caterpillars by hand, or shake them onto a sheet.
- Check every few days from April to August, as there are several generations.
- Keep bushes healthy with feeding and watering so they can recover.
Crops it affects
If you choose to use any treatment, use only products approved for UK home gardens, follow the label and avoid spraying open flowers. See all pests and diseases.