Sasha CampbellYou’ve probably seen them before. Those pesky little caterpillars that leave small holes in the new leaves of certain trees may be cankerworms.
Cankerworms are the caterpillars of a moth that lays its eggs on trees. They’re particularly fond of deciduous trees and can cause significant damage when their population is high.
Luckily, there are some natural ways to get rid of the problem. Ways that don’t involve using harsh chemicals.
Read on to learn all about the selected home remedies and natural methods to get rid of these pests.
Identification
How can you tell if you have cankerworms on your trees? It’s actually not that difficult.
Adult female spring and fall cankerworm moths are grayish-brown and wingless. The males, on the other hand, are grayish-brown but have wings [1].
The larvae are very distinctive-looking. They’re about an inch long and vary in color.
They can be light green, brownish-green, yellow-green, dark green, or even black, with pale stripes running down the sides of the body [2].
Trees that they mostly go after or cause damage to include apple, birch, maple, oak, cherry, beech, and ash. If you see shot holes in leaves and droppings on sidewalks, chances are you have a cankerworm infestation.
If you’re not sure if you’re seeing cankerworms or some other type of caterpillar, you can contact your local Department of Agriculture. They can help you identify the critters.
How to Get Rid of Cankerworms Naturally
Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action. Below, we’ll explore a few of the most popular home remedies and natural methods for eliminating cankerworms.
However, keep in mind that not all of these methods will work for everyone, so you may need to try a few until you find one that works best for you.
1. Tree Banding
You’ve probably seen those sticky bands wrapped around trees in the spring or fall. Well, those are called tree bands, and they’re an effective way to control cankerworms.
Here’s how it works: the bands work as a barrier wrapped around the trunk to stop the cankerworm moth. They’re made of a non-toxic material that won’t harm the tree, and they’ll stay in place for up to two years.
You’ll band the trees to prevent the female moths from climbing up. You can find these tree wraps at your local garden center or order them online.
2. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Bt is a bacterium that’s deadly to cankerworms but safe for pets and plants. So how do you use it?
You can buy Bt at most garden stores or online to treat cankerworms organically. Use it as soon as you suspect an infestation. Use it when the larvae have started feeding.
3. Spinosad
Spinosad insecticide is also deadly to cankerworms. You can find it in spray form, and all you have to do is apply it when the critters are present. Apply to all parts of the plant.
4. Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils work by smothering the cankerworms. This one is made with almost 100% canola oil, making it a great choice if you want to avoid synthetic pesticides.
Thoroughly soak the tree trunk with the oil. It will prevent them from laying eggs, as they will be unable to climb the tree. It will also kill already-present cankerworm eggs.
This cankerworm treatment is also effective against scale insects, powdery mildew, aphids, and mites.
5. Neem Oil
Neem oil works because it disrupts the life cycle of some insects. When you spray it on your plants, it will kill cankerworms on the spot.
Not only that, but this home remedy also repels certain pests, so they stay away from your plants in the first place.
6. Natural Predators
Another organic method to control these pests is to attract natural predators. Birds and some parasitic wasps can help manage the issue for you.
7. Garlic Spray
You can also whip up a DIY garlic spray to deter cankerworms.
Just blend about 5 garlic cloves in 2 cups of water and a little liquid soap. Next, strain the mixture to remove particles that may clog your sprayer.
You’ll want to use this homemade cankerworm spray every few days, especially if it’s rainy where you live. It will lose its effectiveness over time.
8. Monterey Take Down Garden Spray
You can also use Monterey Take Down Spray as a cankerworm pesticide. It’s an organic product that’s safe for plants, people, and pets. This product also works well against winter moths and other pests.
9. Bug Buster-O
Another safe pesticide to use is called Bug Buster-O. It’s a non-toxic, all-natural formula that contains pyrethrins. And it kills cankerworms and other pests on contact.
Bug Buster-O comes in a liquid concentrate that you mix with water. You can use it as a spray against many pests, but it’s not for indoor use.
Moreover, it’s safe for use on fruits, vegetables, and flowers in your garden. However, it is highly toxic to bees, so do not use it on blooming crops.
Takeaway
If cankerworms have invaded the trees near your home, there are natural methods to get rid of them before they cause serious damage. There are also certain measures you can take to prevent them from making headway in the first place.
With the list above, review it carefully and choose the best method that works for you.
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