I just set out a handful of cardinal flower plants(lobelia) and they are under attack by sulphur caterpillars. "Attack " is poor choice of words, the cats are only doing what they are supposed to do-eat. In a few years or so the plants will hopefully be naturalized and it won't matter if they get snacked on, but right now I want them protected for a few years to get established. I have been frantically hand-picking but I can't keep up with them and they are in all stages of development so I miss the small instars. Is there anything I can put on the plants to repel the cats, or possibly the egg-laying females, that won't necessarily be a kill-all like Sevin powder? I've been recruiting cog-wheel bugs and spiders but they don't stay put.

Hopefully someone can give me a few tips. Maybe simple soapy water in a squirt bottle...