11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Caterpillars on Plants

Most people think that caterpillars can’t cause too much damage in a garden. After all, they turn into beautiful butterflies or moths—how bad could they be?

Many caterpillars are leaf-eaters that can damage garden crops if their populations get out of control. They can be significant pests of tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, basil, lettuce, and cabbage.

Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies, which lay their eggs on plant leaves [1]. Once hatched, the larvae feed heavily on foliage before transforming into adults.

In just a few days, they can strip foliage from vegetables and weaken plants.

How to Get Rid of Caterpillars Naturally

Caterpillars are common garden pests, especially during warm seasons when moths and butterflies lay eggs on crops.

Below are some home remedies and natural solutions you can try.

However, always test on a small area first, especially in hot or sunny conditions, as strong homemade sprays can sometimes damage tender leaves.

Also, always identify caterpillars before control, since some turn into beneficial butterflies.

1. Soap and Water

A soap-and-water mixture is an inexpensive remedy to stop little green caterpillars from eating your plants.

Mix a small amount of pure Castile soap thoroughly in warm water. Avoid using dish soaps with degreasers or bleach, as these can harm plants.

Next, pour the solution into a spray bottle. Finally, spray your vegetables, nasturtiums, roses, or other plants where caterpillars are present.

Does soapy water kill caterpillars? A mild soap solution may help deter caterpillars by making leaves less appealing and harder to crawl on.

Direct contact with stronger soap mixtures may also harm small caterpillars.

2. Bacillus thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is effective against pests such as hairy caterpillars (higad) and mosquito larvae [2]. It causes the pests to stop eating, ultimately leading to their deaths.

This insecticide is toxic to caterpillar larvae when ingested. It is generally safe for humans, pets, and most beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, since Bt targets certain moth and butterfly larvae.

It is also safe for your organic garden, but be sure to wash all produce thoroughly before eating. Additionally, when purchasing, look for an organic brand or one bearing the OMRI stamp.

3. Neem Oil

Neem oil is an excellent natural pesticide. Many organic farmers use it to control caterpillars in the garden.

Also, it will help control tomato worms, cabbage worms, and other plant-eating pests.

Dilute 2 ounces of neem oil in 1 gallon of water, then shake well. Next, apply it to the affected plants.

Neem oil disrupts feeding and growth, which can reduce caterpillar populations over time.

4. Garlic Mixture

This potent mixture may help repel or kill caterpillars naturally. It also works well as a natural repellent for aphids and cabbage moths.

Combine 1 bulb of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, and 1 gallon of water.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then let the solution sit for at least 24 hours. Spray wherever needed to keep these hungry eaters and other pests off your plants.

Avoid spraying in direct hot sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

5. Chili Spray

This spray is another effective DIY remedy for getting rid of caterpillars outside. Read: 15 Homemade Caterpillar Repellent Sprays.

Combine 3 ½ ounces of ground chili pepper with ½ gallon of boiling water. Let it simmer for five minutes, then remove it from the heat.

Next, add ½ gallon of cold water and 2 to 3 drops of liquid soap. Stir well and let the mixture sit and cool for a few hours.

Try the solution on a small section of an affected plant, then check it after 24 hours. If there are no adverse effects, apply it to the entire plant as needed.

To prevent leaf burn, avoid spraying in direct hot sunlight.

6. Create a Habitat Friendly to Birds

A practical way to control caterpillars on tall trees is to attract birds.

Many birds feed on garden insect pests. They are also the perfect helpers in controlling sawflies and their larvae.

If you see small leaf-eating caterpillars on your roses, gooseberry bush, or hibiscus, they may actually be sawfly larvae. They look similar to caterpillars but belong to a different insect group.

Installing birdhouses and providing natural habitats, such as native plants and water sources, can encourage birds to stay. This creates a more welcoming environment for them. In turn, birds help control pests in the area.

Note: This method may not be ideal for apple or other fruit trees, since birds may also eat the fruit.

If you have space, you can also keep chickens. They will help with destructive garden worms and other pests.

7. Vinegar Solution

Gardeners often use vinegar as a natural insecticide. It may deter or kill some pests on contact, so a light vinegar solution may help keep caterpillars away.

Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with four liters of water.

Spray it where the pests are visible, eating your plants’ leaves or other parts. However, avoid over-spraying, as vinegar may damage plant foliage.

8. Burlap

The burlap barrier band trap is another excellent way to protect trees from caterpillars.

Wrap a piece of burlap (about 12 inches tall) around the tree.

Next, tie twine or rope around the middle to fasten it to the tree. Now drop the top half of the burlap over the rope or twine so it hangs over the bottom half.

Many caterpillars will hide beneath the burlap during the heat of the day. Once they are all under the burlap covering, squish or remove them by hand.

9. Cover Your Plants

You can cover your plants with a thin mesh to help keep caterpillars and other crawling pests at bay.

Row covers can also prevent caterpillar infestations. They help prevent moths and butterflies from laying eggs on your crops.

10. Grow Caterpillar-Repelling Plants

Certain plants will naturally repel garden pests. Peppermint, lavender, mugwort, and sage are among the plants believed to help repel caterpillars.

These herbs may help deter some pests with their strong scents, but results can vary under real-world garden conditions.

Plant them in or around your vegetable garden or flower bed to help deter caterpillars.

11. Remove Them by Hand

Hand-picking caterpillars is one of the safest and most effective ways to remove them from plants.

Afterward, you can squish them or place them elsewhere in your yard. This will eliminate them quickly.

For tent caterpillars, drop the nests into a bag and dispose of the bag. However, wear gloves when handling them.

Hand-picking is also an effective method for removing tomato hornworms, gypsy moth larvae, bagworms, armyworms, and other harmful insect larvae.

Other Organic Caterpillar Control Methods

• A strong spray of water can knock caterpillars off plants and reduce their numbers.
• You should also look for the eggs and dispose of them immediately.
• Ensure there are no lights on in your garden or flower bed at night. Lights may attract moths, and they may lay their eggs on your plants.
• You can also use caterpillar control products such as Molt-X, JMS Stylet Oil, and Monterey Spinosad. However, apply spinosad in the evening when pollinators are less active. These products are OMRI-listed, meaning they are safe for use in organic gardening.

Takeaway

Caterpillars are one of the most common garden pests affecting vegetables and leafy crops. Their infestations are a significant problem for organic farmers worldwide.

They can quickly defoliate plants and significantly reduce garden yields if left unchecked. Therefore, regularly check your tomatoes, peppers, kale, and other crops.

If you think you have an issue with caterpillars, follow these natural solutions to help get rid of them.

Early detection and consistent control methods can prevent serious damage and help keep your garden healthy naturally.