Small,green Caterpillars

[wired]

Hi, for the past three years I have a beautiful fern that is being decimated by small caterpillars, they usually start in June and I spray with soapy water and all is well but this year I now have another lot which have just started to eat the fern. Is there anything I can do to deter them before they start munching? thanks.

[Daffy6543]

Plant something that they would prefer that you are not too bothered about. To do this you need to identify the species though.
Caterpillars (usually) turn into butterflies or moths and are vital pollinators, I would be happy to have them munch away at our plants.

[Daffy6543]

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva

[Daffy6543]

Just had a thought, they could be beetle larva rather than a true caterpillar.

[wired]

Thanks Daffy, I do try to encourage bees,butterflies etc with careful planting and as I have several other types of fern I'm beginning to take it personally as the one that's being eaten is my favourite.
Wired