Do white plastic butterflies deter Cabbage White Butterflies?

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My latest YouTube video: “Do white plastic butterflies deter Cabbage White Butterflies?”

There’s a theory that says Cabbage White Butterflies are territorial. So if we deploy plastic white butterflies near our brassica plants does that mean Cabbage White Butterfly females won’t lay eggs on those plants?

Sounds good because no eggs means our brassica vegetables won’t be damaged by Cabbage White Butterfly caterpillars.

But are Cabbage White Butterflies territorial? Do these plastic mimics actually work?

Check out my the video to find out!

Here is the LINK to the article “Mothbusters: testing a common myth about a small butterfly”.

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8 Replies to “Do white plastic butterflies deter Cabbage White Butterflies?”

  2. Good to see it done. I tried the plastic deterrent years ago and suspected it was useless, but good to have it officially confirmed. Always enjoy your presentation. Looking forward to your follow-up on setting your brassica seedlings up. These days daily inspections and hand removal seems to be my best method.

    • Thanks for your comments Teena. Much appreciated! It’ll be a week or so before the follow-up video.

  3. I found this very interesting and well explained Denis. I am looking forward to your next control video.

  4. Thank you Di, I was going to order some white plastic butterflies but not anymore. What do you know about using molasses as a deterrent?

    • Thanks Nicholas. There is no scientific evidence regarding molasses as a deterrent.