All kinds of things eat caterpillars. They are sort of the bunnies of the insect world. Spiders, stinkbugs, assassin bugs, wasps, birds, mice, ladybug and green lacewing larvae, and probably a whole host of other things we haven't observed yet. Yesterday, I watched a pipevine swallowtail caterpillar high tailing it down a vine. Following it was a jumping spider. I have never seen a caterpillar move so fast! The spider was safely and humanely removed to another area. Anyhow, many of us use floral picks to keep plant material fresh. You could try that. Each of us has our preferred method for raising caterpillars and there are a lot. It just takes time for you to find the method that works for you. Each year it may be different based on what you are raising, what plants you have to work with, what the weather is like, and how much time you have. Good luck, Elisabeth

bamakrautie, about the bird houses, what kind are they? Are they decrative or do you plan on trying to attract birds to nest in them? If you plan on having birds nest in them please please get information on how and where to place them. If they are decrative plug the holes, you can take a thin peice of wood and paint it black to place behind the hole that will not ruin the look. Most people don't know the responsibilities that go with providing homes for cavity nesting birds (I didn't)there is much to learn to avoid a horrible outcome. It is however the most rewarding and exciting thing I have done in a long time. Some cavity nesting birds are Blue Birds, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers. Here is a site that will give you a lot of good information www.sialis.org Hope this helps! Lisa

I agree with bigmatt. Every time I think the nest is finished I will see the mama several days later taking more nesting into the box. It's not uncommon for either of the pair to not be seen for a couple of days. She could skip a day in the laying process. Once she lays the last egg and starts incubating she will be around a lot more.

Are there any nests in the boxes? I also think they are Tree Swallows. If they are in there from last fall or summer they are probably babies that could not get out of the boxes. Tres need a ladder if you will to help them fledge from the nest. All that needs to be done is to make some deep scratches or kerfs on the inside of the box leading up to the hole to help them climb out. There is a website that will give you all the info you will ever need about Bluebirds Tree Swallows and any other cavity nesting birds. www.sialis.org We will also help any time you have questions Cathy Here is a link that might be useful: sialis.org