Caterpillars are cute, especially the ones that morph into the exquisite butterflies we all know and love. But you’ll think otherwise when you see the destruction these critters can inflict on your precious yard. Here, you’ll learn how to get rid of caterpillars in your yard, as well as the signs of a caterpillar infestation and how you can prevent it. In this article, we’ll cover:
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are a beloved annual flower known for their bright, sunny colors and ability to repel pests. However, these hardy blooms are still susceptible to destruction by hungry caterpillars who can quickly defoliate the plants As a natural gardener, you may be looking for effective options to get rid of caterpillars without resorting to synthetic chemical pesticides. In this article, we’ll explore various natural, non-toxic methods and products to safely eliminate caterpillars from African marigolds
Identifying Caterpillar Damage
Before implementing control strategies, it’s important to scout for and correctly identify caterpillar damage on your African marigolds. Watch for these common signs:
- Irregular holes in leaves, flowers, buds.
- Chewed foliage, sometimes reduced to veins.
- Presence of green worms, caterpillars on plants.
- Black frass (excrement) on leaves or soil.
- Wilted, stunted growth.
Carefully inspect the undersides of leaves and new growth which caterpillars tend to target. Identifying the pest early allows quicker action to minimize loss.
Safely Removing Caterpillars by Hand
Manually eliminating caterpillars is an effective chemical-free solution, Take these steps
- Inspect plants regularly, at least twice a week.
- Handpick any caterpillars found and place into soapy water or alcohol solution.
- Use tweezers for easier removal of small worms.
- Crush eggs or egg masses during inspection.
- Check undersides of leaves thoroughly.
- Remove and destroy severely infested growth.
While labor intensive, hand removal of caterpillars can provide sufficient control in small gardens if done consistently. For larger infestations, pair this with other non-chemical methods.
Employing Natural Predators
Releasing natural predators of caterpillars into your garden can provide biological control:
Beneficial Insects:
- Green lacewings, ladybugs, praying mantis – devour caterpillars.
- Parasitoid wasps – lay eggs inside hosts, killing them.
- Purchase and regularly release to establish populations.
Birds:
- Chickens, ducks – allow to forage in garden areas to eat pests.
- Provide shelter and supplemental feed to encourage visitation.
- Monitor for damage to plants and flowers.
Biopesticides:
- Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) – a bacterium deadly to caterpillars when ingested.
- Spinosad – derived from beneficial soil microbes.
- Apply as a foliar spray per product instructions.
Using Botanical Insecticides
Certain plant-derived substances provide pest-fighting properties:
Neem Oil – Derived from the neem tree, effective against soft-bodied insects. Mix with water and a natural emulsifier like soap and apply on marigolds.
Pyrethrum – Made from chrysanthemum flowers, paralyzes caterpillars. Spray evenly over foliage.
Garlic Oil – Repels and kills larvae. Mix garlic cloves and mineral oil, let steep, and strain before spraying.
Kaolin Clay – This white mineral powder deters feeding. Coat marigold foliage. Reapply after rain.
Always follow label directions when applying botanical insecticides. Test on a small area first to ensure plant compatibility.
Physical Barriers and Deterrents
Using physical materials can obstruct caterpillars:
- Floating row covers – place fabric over plants to exclude pests.
- Collars – wrap aluminum foil, tanglefoot, or duct tape around stems to block entry.
- Diatomaceous earth – this abrasive dust deters caterpillar movement when sprinkled around plants.
- Trap crops – plant mustard, nasturtiums, etc. nearby to lure caterpillars away.
Maintaining Healthy Plants
Prevention is key! Implement these organic growing practices:
- Diversify plants – avoids mass infestation.
- Rotate marigold location each season – disrupts pest cycles.
- Remove weeds – eliminates shelter and food sources.
- Fertilize minimally – lush growth attracts pests.
- Clean up debris – removes overwintering sites.
- Monitor soil moisture – drought stress makes plants vulnerable.
With persistence and an integrated pest management approach, you can effectively remove caterpillars from African marigolds using earth-friendly alternatives. A combination of manual removal, natural predators, organic sprays, and prevention techniques will allow you to enjoy vibrant, verdant marigold plants pesticide-free. The occasional hole-ridden leaf is a fair tradeoff to nurture an ecologically vibrant garden.
Step 3: Opt for caterpillar-repellent plants
An effective and natural way to deter these garden insects from infesting your yard is by using repellent plants. These plants contain compounds, such as essential oils or chemicals, that are toxic to these insects.
This method is eco-friendly, as it avoids using chemical insecticides that can harm beneficial insects. Additionally, many repellent plants are attractive additions to your garden, contributing to the overall visual appeal of your landscape. For this step, do the following:
- Identify repellent plants: Research and identify plants known to repel caterpillars or are less attractive to them. Common examples include marigolds, chrysanthemums, garlic, and catnip.
- Choose appropriate locations: Determine where in your yard you want to plant these repellent species. Consider areas prone to caterpillar infestations or those with valuable plants you wish to protect.
- Companion planting: Plant repellent species like peppermint, lavender, mugwort, and sage alongside your susceptible plants. The presence of these deterrents can discourage the pests from settling nearby.
- Maintain healthy plants: Keep your repellent plants healthy and well-maintained. Proper care, including watering and occasional pruning, helps maximize their effectiveness.
Pro tip: Consider incorporating native plants into your garden, as they are often well-adapted to local conditions and less susceptible to pest infestations. Also, plant nectar-rich flowers to provide beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps with food sources.
Are all species of caterpillars harmful to my yard?
No, not all types of caterpillars are harmful. Some are beneficial and serve as pollinators or food for birds. Identify the species before taking action.
An example would be swallowtail caterpillars, such as the Eastern black swallowtail and the spicebush swallowtail. Often found on plants like parsley, dill, and fennel, they are important pollinators and serve as food for birds and other wildlife.
Marigolds Help Keep the Bugs Away! #marigold #garden #vegetables
FAQ
How do I get rid of caterpillars without killing my plants?
Does soapy water kill caterpillars?
Does vinegar kill caterpillars on plants?
What caterpillar eats marigolds?