Andre CampbellIt all starts when a moth or butterfly lays eggs near or on your plants.
Some days later, the caterpillars hatch. When that happens, finding a good repellent spray is vital before an infestation begins.
Caterpillars are a problem for many gardeners.
As the caterpillar eats, it grows. It then becomes a pest of many plants, especially vegetables. These include kale, collards, cabbage, and tomatoes.
If you detect these critters early, they’re much easier to control. Fortunately, several home remedies can help keep these pests away.
Best Homemade Sprays for Caterpillars
Below are 15 homemade spray recipes to keep caterpillars off your plants.
1. Insecticide Oil
An oil-based insecticide spray can repel garden caterpillars and other pests, such as mites and aphids.
Mix one tablespoon of mild liquid soap with one cup of vegetable oil.
When ready to apply, combine two teaspoons of the mixture with a quart of water. Mix and apply the solution directly onto the plants.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) has many uses. One of its uses is as a natural treatment for controlling caterpillars.
It can dehydrate and kill caterpillars. Therefore, make a solution by combining four tablespoons of the product with one gallon of water.
Shake well, then spray your plants. However, a wet application is only effective once it dries and leaves a fine powder.
You can also sprinkle DE directly on your plants and on the caterpillars that you see.
3. Soap
Use this common item to create a natural spray for caterpillars, beetles, broccoli bugs, whiteflies, leaf-eating worms, and other pests.
Mix one quart of water with 1.5 teaspoons of mild organic liquid soap. Shake well, then spray the solution directly onto the affected area.
Soapy water may deter caterpillars and can sometimes harm very small larvae. Aim to apply it in the evenings or early morning.
4. Garlic
Garlic is an effective home remedy for pest control. The scent repels a wide range of harmful insects from plants.
To make a natural caterpillar repellent using garlic, blend 2 whole garlic bulbs with 1/2 cup of water. Next, let the mixture sit for at least twelve hours.
When it’s ready, add one teaspoon of mild liquid soap and a quart of water to the mixture. Mix well, strain, and then spray.
You can also combine this deterrent spray with hot peppers to get rid of armyworms and cabbage worms.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is a common ingredient in homemade pest control sprays. Due to its acidic nature, it is utilized as a natural pesticide to help control various harmful insects.
To make a homemade vinegar spray to deter caterpillars, combine 2 tablespoons of raw vinegar with 4 liters of water. Shake well and spray the pests.
Please note that vinegar can damage plant foliage if used too strongly, so test on a small area first. It is more of a deterrent than a proven insecticide for caterpillars.
6. Neem Oil
Organic gardeners often use neem oil to repel or kill harmful insects, including caterpillars.
To use neem oil to keep away caterpillars, combine two teaspoons of neem oil, one teaspoon of mild liquid soap, and one quart of water. Shake well and spray the plants and visible pests.
7. Chili Pepper
You can also use fresh chili peppers to make a spray for deterring caterpillars.
Blend half a cup of chopped chili peppers in one cup of water. Next, add the blended mixture to a quart of water and bring it to a boil.
Once cooled, strain and add a few drops of mild liquid soap.
Mix one tablespoon of the solution with one quart of water. Mix and apply to your plants.
However, avoid inhaling steam during preparation, as chili fumes can irritate the eyes and throat.
8. Citrus
Citrus is effective at repelling soft-bodied insects.
To make a DIY spray for green caterpillars, grate the peel of a lemon or orange. Next, add it to a pint of boiling water and let the mixture sit overnight.
In the morning, strain it through cheesecloth. Then, spray the mixture onto the affected plants.
9. Chili and Wormwood
This creative concoction can be used to discourage insects, possums, and rabbits. However, you want the hotter varieties of chilies for it to be most effective.
Blend your chilies and wormwood in a cup of water. Once it’s all blended, add five cups of water and bring it to a boil.
Let it stand until it cools, then strain and spray the plants. However, keep the solution away from your eyes.
10. Organic Bacillus Thuringiensis Spray
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is toxic to gypsy moth caterpillars, tent caterpillars, tomato hornworms, and many other caterpillar pests.
Once the larvae ingest the Bt pesticide, feeding will stop, and death will follow. Mix the recommended amount of powder with water, then spray the top and bottom of the leaves.
Alternatively, you can buy Monterey BT Caterpillar Killer Spray and/or Bonide Thuricide. They are ready-made solutions. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
11. Rhubarb Leaf Spray
Rhubarb leaves contain natural compounds that may help deter caterpillars and other garden pests.
To make this homemade spray, chop one cup of rhubarb leaves and boil them in six cups of water for about 20 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then strain it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap to help the spray stick to plant leaves.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to affected plants as needed.
However, avoid using this spray on edible parts of plants. Also, keep rhubarb leaves out of reach of children and pets, as they are toxic if ingested.
12. Hose ‘Em
Hosing is the most straightforward option. After all, you’re likely out there with the hose watering your plants anyway!
Take a few minutes to blast those critters right off your plants.
Blast the caterpillars off the plants using a strong stream of water. As the green caterpillars fall off, remove them. Put them elsewhere or kill them.
13. Tomato Leaf
Tomato leaves can also be a great way to repel pests.
They contain natural alkaloids that may deter some insects, but results can vary. When the leaves are crushed, these compounds are released.
Therefore, chop two cups of tomato leaves and steep them in one quart of water. Leave it overnight.
In the morning, strain and spray this homemade deterrent all over your plants.
14. Peppermint Oil Spray
Peppermint oil has a strong scent that may help deter caterpillars and other garden pests from feeding on plants.
To make this spray, combine 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil with one quart of water. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap to help the oil mix with the water.
Shake the solution well before spraying it on the plant leaves. Make sure to target the undersides, as pests often hide there.
Avoid spraying during the hottest part of the day. Essential oils can damage sensitive plants when exposed to direct sunlight.
15. Onion Spray
To make this homemade spray, chop one medium onion and blend it with two cups of water. Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight.
Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine strainer, then add a few drops of mild liquid soap.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to affected plants every few days or after rainfall.
Commercial Products
If none of those DIY remedies interest you, you can purchase a ready-to-use natural product.
Below are our top three recommended caterpillar deterrent products for organic gardening.
1. Molt-X
Molt-X helps control caterpillar infestations over time by disrupting their growth cycle. It also works against tomato worms, bagworms, cabbage maggots, and other pests.
It contains azadirachtin, an active compound from the neem tree. Molt-X can help manage caterpillar infestations and is generally considered safer for people, pets, birds, and the environment when used as directed.
You can also use it up until the day of harvest. In addition, it works on trees, roses, and ferns.
2. Monterey Garden Insect Spray
This product contains spinosad, which is effective against many caterpillar species, sawfly larvae, and other pests.
You can use it on your lawns, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and more. Furthermore, this organic caterpillar spray is fast-acting and easy to use.
Apply it to the affected area to control cutworms, caterpillars, spongy moth caterpillars, leaf miners, and other pests. You can also use it on edible plants such as basil, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower.
3. JMS Stylet Oil
JMS is another fantastic product. It helps gardeners manage soft-bodied pests, mites, and some fungal plant diseases.
Moreover, it is generally considered suitable for organic gardening.
Takeaway
Caterpillars will feed on a variety of plants, presenting a huge problem in your garden. Fortunately, there are ways to keep them away without using dangerous chemicals.
Our list has a solution for your pest problem. It will help, whether you prefer to DIY or buy a product.
Sasha Campbell
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