I have included pictures of both the moth and the war it's waged on my beloveds. I love my snapdragons and they've been going through their cycle of blooming and falling back for about 3 years now and seem to be going strong. The issue is- I seem to have a Plume Moth infestation for the first time the larvae and caterpillars they make are eating my beloved dragons to bits and I'm not sure how to get rid of them. I use a neem oil spray about 2-3x a week and it doesn't seem to be working. They don't go after any other plants in my garden either. I tried to do some research but am coming up short. I'm so sad, as this is their blooming season but I haven't been able to enjoy it because of these strange looking menaces. Any tips are very greatly appreciated

Found this: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insec...

Hello Natalierose,

In Table 4 of Rj's reference, it says:
Other Lepidoptera include:
Carpenterworm
Cherry bark tortrix
Coneworm
Cypress tip moth
Maple tip moth
Peach twig borer
Snapdragon plume moth

In the very last entry, "Snapdragon plume moth" it recommends Home Landscape Chemical Products:
esfenvalerate
imidacloprid S
pyrethroids P
pyrethrins O,
where those letter labels indicate:
O= Some formulations may be OMRI-listed for organic use.
P = The synthetic pyrethroids are broad-spectrum insecticides that include products with the active ingredients including bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and permethrin.
S = Systemic products that circulate within the plant's vascular system.

I have copy-and-pasted that info in case it was a little hard to find in the original citation.

ZM

There are other instructions that come with that list of insecticides including:

"Most of these products target adults or intercept
the pest before they enter the plant.
Proper application timing is key to product
efficacy."
Yeah, because once a borer is inside a plant, it is protected.

The exception is the systemic mentioned, imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid, harmful to the bees visiting the flowers and slow to break down.

If it were me, I would cut them down as soon as I saw signs of mining or plant trap crops to pull up and throw out as they became infected with the larvae. Also, call your extension center and find out how common they are in your area. I read the nurseries in Southern California have passed the moth around. It is disappointing but around here, we have Scarlet Lily Beetle. I had many lilies and they were the highlight of the garden during their bloom time. At one point, it wasn't worth it for me anymore and I let the lilies go. Fortunately, there are many other things to grow.

Imidacloprid is banned in California.