Top 10 Homemade Garden Caterpillar Sprays: Easy DIY Solutions for Getting Rid of Caterpillars

Caterpillars are larval stages of butterflies and moths and mostly cause damage to plants by chewing on the leaves, stems, and fruits. Some caterpillars may also carry diseases or toxins that can harm you or your pets. Fortunately, there are many homemade solutions that you can use to repel or kill caterpillars without harming the environment or your health. Here are ten easy recipes for homemade garden caterpillar sprays that you can make with common household ingredients.

About Garden Caterpillars and Damage

Garden caterpillars are usually active in late summer and early autumn when many plants are growing and producing fruits. They prefer to feed on tender, young leaves, but they may also attack flowers, buds, pods, and fruits. Some common garden caterpillars include cabbage worms, tomato hornworms, cutworms, armyworms, webworms, and tent caterpillars.

Caterpillar damage can be recognized by the holes they leave on the leaves, the frass (droppings) they produce, and the webbed nests they build on the branches. Caterpillar infestations can reduce the yield and quality of your crops and may also invite other pests and diseases. Therefore, it is important to control caterpillars as soon as you notice them on your plants.

Top 10 Homemade Garden Caterpillar Sprays

Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) Spray

Bacillus thuringiensis is a soil bacterium that makes a poison that bugs like caterpillars can’t survive. It doesn’t stay in the environment and is safe for people, animals, and good bugs. You can get Bt goods at yard stores or online. To mix and use them, just follow the directions on the box. When used on young caterpillars, before they do too much damage, Bt spray works best.

Vinegar Solution

An inexpensive and efficient method for preventing caterpillars from feeding on your plants is to use vinegar. The presence of acetic acid in vinegar causes the pH of the plant surface to decrease, which in turn makes the plant less appealing to caterpillars like them. In order to create a vinegar solution, combine one part white vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle as the ingredients. For many days, spray the solution on the plants that have been harmed until you no longer see any evidence of caterpillars.

Citrus Oil Spray

Another natural way to keep caterpillars away is to use citrus oil spray. Limonene and linalool are chemicals that are found in citrus oil that mess with the nervous systems of insects. Take a spray bottle and add ten drops of citrus essential oil, like lemon, orange, or grapefruit. Then add one quart of water and one teaspoon of liquid soap. Give it a good shake before you spray it on the plants.

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Chili Pepper Spray

Chili pepper spray is a spicy concoction that can burn the mouthparts and skin of caterpillars. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is a substance that causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with mucous membranes or sensitive tissues. To make a chili pepper spray:

Chop up one or two fresh hot peppers (such as jalapeños or habaneros) and boil them in two cups of water for 15 minutes.
Strain the liquid, and add one teaspoon of liquid soap.
Let it cool down before spraying on the plants.

Epsom Salt Solution

A simple cure called Epsom salt solution can dry out and kill caterpillars. Osmosis is the process by which magnesium sulfate, which is what Epsom salt is, pulls water out of cells. Put one tablespoon of Epsom salt into a bucket of water that holds one gallon. This will make an Epsom salt solution. Pour the fluid over the plants with a watering can, making sure to reach both sides of the leaves.

Molasses Spray

Molasses spray is a sticky trap that can catch and suffocate caterpillars. Molasses is a thick syrup made of sugar cane or beet juice. It has a sweet taste that attracts insects, but it also has a high viscosity that prevents them from escaping once they land on it. To make a molasses spray, mix one tablespoon of molasses and one teaspoon of dish soap with one liter of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the plants regularly over the leaves, top to bottom.

Onion Spray

Onion spray is a spicy repellent that can keep caterpillars away from your plants. Onion contains sulfur compounds that have a strong odor and flavor that insects dislike. To make an onion spray:

Chop up one large onion and blend it with two cups of water in a blender.
Strain the liquid, and add one teaspoon of liquid soap.
Spray the solution on the plants as needed.

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Cinnamon Spray

Cinnamon spray is a fragrant deterrent that can ward off caterpillars and other pests. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which is a compound that has antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. To make a cinnamon spray, mix one teaspoon of ground cinnamon with one quart of water and one teaspoon of liquid soap spray bottle. Shake well, and spray on the plants every few days.

Peppermint Spray

Peppermint spray is a refreshing repellent that can discourage caterpillars from feeding on your plants. Peppermint contains menthol, which is a compound that has a cooling effect and a strong smell that insects dislike. To make a peppermint spray, mix ten drops of peppermint essential oil with one quart of water and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the plants as often as needed.

Clove Spray

Clove spray is a spicy repellent that can irritate the mouthparts and skin of caterpillars. Clove contains eugenol, which is a compound that has antiseptic, analgesic, and insecticidal properties. To make a clove spray, mix ten drops of clove essential oil with one quart of water and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the plants every few days.

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Conclusion

These top 10 homemade garden caterpillar sprays provide accessible and eco-friendly solutions to rid your garden of these pests. Embrace the power of DIY with natural ingredients, ensuring a healthy and thriving garden without the need for harmful chemicals. Bid farewell to caterpillar-related concerns with these effective homemade remedies.