[Beetroot queen]

We found two small patches of ragwort on the new plot, not suprising when its happily growing on the nature plot along side our plot. we carefully removed it and dug up the roots and surrounding soil.

It was covered in yellow and black caterpillars which I googled and discovered they are normal for the plant. However what i couldnt find on google is

Will the be as much of a pest to my crops as normal caterpillars are, and what else do I need to do to keep ragwort at bay.

Should I be calling the council to treat the stuff on the wildlife area or should I spray it with roundup myself ? lots of questions sorry 

[aelf]

The caterpillers found on ragwort are the cinnabar moth (black n orange stripey things) only seem to live on ragwort so shouldn't be a problem. They are noxious weeds and will poison animals that eat it.

IMPORTANT!  - the poison in ragwort can enter your bloodstream through your skin so wear gloves when pulling them up!

They will set seed each year (and seeds can be dormant in the soil for years) so you will have to pull them up as you see them and don't let them flower.

[Beetroot queen]

Thanks Aelf

We did as you said and will carry on doing so, I have seen so much of this stuff now I know what it is, its like when you buy a new car you never see one until you buy one