How to Get Rid of Cactoblastis Cactorum

Examine the prickly pear cactus for evidence of cactus moth larvae. The larvae are bright orange-red with dark spots on their sides. They have stripes on their backs that make transverse bands in small sections across the width of their bodies. Cactus moth larvae eat in groups on the interior of prickly pear cactus pads. Their excrement is pushed out of the pad and forms piles on the plant's surface. The larvae will hollow out the interior of the cactus pad and can be seen crawling around through the thin surface of the devoured pad.

Hold onto the moth larvae infested prickly pear cactus pad with the tongs. Cut off the cactus pad as close to the main body of the cactus as possible with a large sharp knife or machete, taking care to cut away from, not toward, yourself. Remove all of the infested cactus pads. Place the pads in clear plastic garbage bags in direct sunlight and let the larvae die in the sun's heat.

Inspect the prickly pear cactus daily for larvae damage. Look for pink or cream-colored larvae with red dots on their back segments or signs of further advanced larvae. Examine the cactus spines closely and look for long, curved moth egg sticks that resemble a blunt curved cactus spine. Egg sticks are anchored to a spine of the cactus and will curve outward away from it. The eggs are laid on top of one another like a stack of coins and can contain more than 100 eggs. Remove the egg sticks and place them in clear plastic bags in direct sunlight to kill them.