Methods to Control Caterpillars in the Garden

Gardeners are all too familiar with caterpillars, these tiny worm-like creatures are active at night during the spring and summer months although you may come across some of them in the daytime.  Many see caterpillars as a threat to their gardens and while this may be true some are beneficial to garden plants. Caterpillars are the larvae stage of butterflies and moths. When the adult moth or butterfly lays her eggs the process goes through 4 stages.

Egg, larvae, pupae, adult. Bad or destructive caterpillars are species that destroy, the flowers, fruits, leaves, and shoots, while the good or beneficial caterpillars once stages are complete transform into adults and pollinate garden plants. The sad reality is that many offspring (larvae) of butterflies are taken for caterpillars that cause destruction and are killed off however nearly all caterpillars including the good guys eat plants. ” Good caterpillars have limited impact on garden plants and make contributions to our ecosystem.

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How to Notice Caterpillar Damage

You may take a stroll into your garden and notice that something is eating your plants but can’t put your finger on it maybe you have a caterpillar issue. If you’re not sure then here are some signs to look for.

• Leaf rolls or webbing which some caterpillars use for shade.
• Chewed leaves with irregular edges or holes.
• Frass or caterpillar droppings can be seen beneath or on plants that are affected.
• Skeletonized leaves where only the veins remain.

Natural Ways to Control Caterpillars

There are several ways to control caterpillars, one of those methods is natural ways which are known as biological control, or how certain insect species ( good bugs) are used to control the bad (garden insect pests) bugs. Good bugs or beneficial insects can be introduced naturally by the installation of some plant species, for example, garden plants that produce flower colors of white, purple, pink blue, etc… Examples of beneficial insects are.

• Cicada Killer
• Syrphid Fly Adult
• Garden Spiders.
• Damsel Bug
• Ground Beetle
• Minute Pirate Bug.
• Butterflies
• Lady Beetle Larvae.
• Lacewings.
• Bees.
• Praying Mantis.
• Ladybugs.
• Parasitic wasp.

 Controlling Caterpillars with Pesticides

Pesticides can be used to control caterpillars but a word of caution start with the less toxic or use organic pesticides to reduce or avoid the contamination of the air, ecosystem, and water system. Here are examples of a few pesticides. Before applying pesticides read and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the label for the best results. Remember when applying insecticides make sure that the pesticides come out misty also when applying pesticides make sure to get total coverage of the upper leaves and the leaf’s undersides.

• Bacillus thuringiensis produces a toxin that is harmful to caterpillars but safe to use around humans, pets, and beneficial insects.
• Eco-neem is an organic pesticide, once applied caterpillars will stop feeding once they injust this product. After a few days, the caterpillar will die.
• Neem oil is an effective botanical extract that is derived from the neem tree, once the caterpillar comes in contact with this pesticide will cause suffocation.
• Organocide is another effective product, this pesticide is produced from sesame oil.
• Thuricide® BT Caterpillar Control can pack a punch and give the results you’re looking for.

Addition Information

Here are other ways to control caterpillars.

• The use of sticky yellow traps placed near plants will help in bringing control. For example tree trunks.
• Handpicking caterpillars and throwing them into a container of soapy water will bring control, because caterpillars are mostly active during night hours you will have to go in your garden at night with a flashlight to begin removing caterpillars.
• Install resistance plant varieties.
• Attract birds to your garden by installing a bird feeder, this will cause birds to be regular visitors to your garden that will also use caterpillars as a food source.
• If You are growing plants in a small garden (raise garden) then the use of netting to cover your plants will offer help.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the symptoms that caterpillars are doing damage to my garden?

If you notice holes in leaves, ragged edges, or entire leaves missing, you likely have caterpillars around. Other clues include black droppings (frass) on leaves or visible caterpillars hiding under foliage. Some even chew fruit or flower buds!

2. Are all caterpillars harmful to my plants?

Not all caterpillars are pests. Some grow into beneficial butterflies and moths. The trick is identifying whether they’re munching too much or doing minor damage. If your garden is overrun or your crops are suffering, it’s time to step in.

3. What’s the safest way to remove caterpillars without using chemicals?

Handpicking is the simplest and most natural method. Wearing a pair of gloves and drop the caterpillars into a bucket of soapy water will bring control. It’s surprisingly effective, especially if you check your plants daily in the early morning or evening.

4. Will neem oil control caterpillars?

Yes! Neem oil is a natural pesticide that works well against soft-bodied insects like caterpillars. It disrupts their feeding and reproductive cycle. Spray it directly on leaves and caterpillars—but avoid spraying when bees are active.

5. Are there any natural predators that can help control caterpillars?

Definitely! Birds, frogs, parasitic wasps, and even beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings feed on caterpillars or their eggs. You can attract them by planting native flowers, providing water sources, and avoiding harsh chemicals.

6. How does BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) work for caterpillar control?

BT is a naturally occurring bacteria that targets caterpillars specifically. When they eat treated leaves, their digestive systems shut down. It’s safe for humans, pets, and pollinators, making it a go-to organic option.

7. Will row covers help keep caterpillars out of my vegetables?

Absolutely! Floating row covers create a physical barrier between your crops and egg-laying moths or butterflies. Just be sure to remove the covers during pollination if you’re growing fruiting plants like squash or tomatoes.

8. Can companion planting help deter caterpillars?

Yes, certain plants like dill, marigold, lavender, and nasturtium can repel or distract caterpillars. For example, planting dill near tomatoes may draw caterpillars away, acting as a trap crop instead of a main target.

9. How often should I inspect my garden for caterpillar activity?

A quick inspection two to three times a week can catch early infestations. Look under leaves, check for chewed foliage, and inspect new growth. Morning and dusk are the best times—they’re more active then and easier to spot.

10. What should I avoid when trying to control caterpillars?

Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides—they can kill helpful bugs too. Also, resist the urge to over-treat; many solutions take time. Patience, consistency, and combining methods (like handpicking plus BT) work best long-term.

Conclusion

Caterpillars can do severe damage to garden plants but the good news is their population can be reduced where they are no threat to garden plants, if you notice caterpillars in your garden then take quick action because caterpillars have huge appetites which means they can turn a healthy garden into a graveyard. If you are having caterpillar issues then this guide will help you to bring control why not contact us and let us help you put a plan in place why should your prized garden plants suffer at the hands of caterpillars when you can strike back and win the war or these garden pests.