Passionfruit devasted by caterpillars

[Weboh]

I have a couple passionfruit vines that have been growing great all winter. Today, I came out and saw practically all the foliage on both vines was eaten by these caterpillars. https://postimg.cc/gallery/9MsqtQg

Last summer, I had a bit of a problem with these guys; probably half of the foliage of one plant (back when I only had one) was eaten. Back then, I put some some insecticide on it that seemed to help. However, the directions on it said to wait until after the plant flowered to apply it--I assume because it inhibits flowering. What can I do? I don't want to have to keep on applying the insecticide and keeping me from getting any flowers and fruit off them, but if I don't apply it, the plants still can't flower because they don't have any leaves.

TL;DR, How do you guys in Florida deal with pest caterpillars on your passion vines? Thanks.

[SeaWalnut]

Search Bacillus Thuringiensis treatment.Its a biological control for caterpillars .
A bacteria thats harmless for people and animals but it kills caterpillars after they get in contact with it.
Probably its more expensive than regular insecticides ( poisonous) but worth the monney because its effective and safe.
Its soo safe that i use it to kill wax moth caterpillars that are inside the beehive.Doesnt kill bees or the bees larvae.

[skhan]

Search Bacillus Thuringiensis treatment.Its a biological control for caterpillars .
A bacteria thats harmless for people and animals but it kills caterpillars after they get in contact with it.
Probably its more expensive than regular insecticides ( poisonous) but worth the monney because its effective and safe.
Its soo safe that i use it to kill wax moth caterpillars that are inside the beehive.Doesnt kill bees or the bees larvae.

Did that for mine a few years back. Worked out great.

[Tommyng]

They used to infest my desert roses until my son saw them. He collects them all.

[Oolie]

They used to infest my desert roses until my son saw them. He collects them all.

[Weboh]

Search Bacillus Thuringiensis treatment.Its a biological control for caterpillars .
A bacteria thats harmless for people and animals but it kills caterpillars after they get in contact with it.
Probably its more expensive than regular insecticides ( poisonous) but worth the monney because its effective and safe.
Its soo safe that i use it to kill wax moth caterpillars that are inside the beehive.Doesnt kill bees or the bees larvae.

Thanks. That looks promising I'll try it.

[Kevin Jones]

The Gulf fritillary or passion butterfly.
Here's one from last year on my Incarnatas...



They are welcome in my garden.
My passionflower is such a robust grower they don't make a dent.

Kevin

[Jack, Nipomo]

Nice thing about BT is that it is not a poison.  Caterpillars need to eat the leaf containing the BT and the bacteria in its gut kill it.  I keep bees and am very careful to NOT us a poison (wish my neighbors were).  I too enjoy the butterflies (Gulf Fritillary) and there is enough passiflora around for them.  I use the BT on very small plants or the "special ones".