Moths in Primroses...

[Manda1126]

I need some help because I'm finding conflicting information. I have Primroses planted in window boxes and they are doing well. When watering them, these moths come scurrying out.
I am reading that some moths help pollinate. But then I'm also reading that some moths lay eggs and after hatching, the caterpillars will chew down my leaves and kill the plant.
I want to get a handle on this while I can. Any advice or thoughts? If I need to get rid of them, what is the best way to do this?
(Other info that might be important...I am in Billings, Montana. Moths are about 3/4- 1 inch long. Just noticed them last week.)

 

[Plantdoctor]

Moths and butterflies are part of the eco-system ,but their young need food and food is often green plants.

Your best bet,if you want to deter, put a few mothballs amongst the plants .

 

[roadrunner]

Moths sleep during the day, so when you water your plant, you're just disturbing them; I see it all the time when I water my plants -- tons of moths in my mulch.

Moths will only lay eggs on plants that are host plant. I don't know, but is Primroses a host plant for any type of moth (or butterfly)?

A moth will sleep anywhere that provides good shelter, so just because they are there is not to say that that plant is a host plant.

I have tons of host plants and none of them die from the caterpillars eating on the leaves. I wouldn't worry about it.


EDIT: BTW, moths do pollinate, that's true.

 

[Fernsdaddy]

The only time I worry about a moths is when they comes out of my lawn when I mow. Most moths will only live a few weeks, I wouldn't worry about them.