How to get rid of caterpillars : Caterpillars eat ornamental plants and vegetables, they are interesting creatures but can be very annoying.
To understand how to keep caterpillars away, it is important to know what species of caterpillar we are dealing with. Some caterpillars behave like real pests and can destroy the entire crop, while other caterpillars do less damage and can give birth to beautiful butterflies.
How to get rid of caterpillars, organic products
Let’s start with Chrysodeixis chalcites (the larva is shown in the photo above)
The Chrysodeixis chalcites larva is 35 – 40 mm long, is entirely green and infests both ornamental plants such as chrysanthemums and genraniums, and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines, beans and cabbages.
It infests vegetable gardens especially in late summer or in autumn. To protect the garden from this caterpillar you must act when the young larvae or the first damage appears. If you want to eliminate Chrysodeixis chalcites caterpillars you can use non-toxic preparations for bees and other insects useful to the garden. For this purpose, a treatment based on Bacillus thuringienisis var kurstaki and aiwzawai (organic product) or products based on spinosad is recommended, scrupulously following the instructions on the label. In the following photo, the adult specimen of Chrysodeixis chalcites is shown .
Those who do not know the species of caterpillar that ruins their crops and want to eliminate caterpillars from their vegetable garden and flower beds can aim for products permitted in organic farming that have a broader spectrum.
Success Bayer Natria BIO
This product is an insecticide allowed in organic farming. It is specific for caterpillars (lepidopteran larvae) and can also protect the vegetable garden from Colorado beetles, leaf miners, thrips, metcalfa and other small parasites. With one package it is possible to treat more than 90 crops. It is suitable for both the vegetable garden and ornamental plants. This product from Bayer Garden also works with the previously seen larva. A package useful for the treatment of 90 crops costs approximately 9 euros.
How to Get Rid of Caterpillars Naturally
Insectivorous birds can be a great ally in your garden: they feed selectively on insects (larvae, ants, caterpillars, etc.) while leaving your crops and your beautiful ornamental plants untouched. In the article dedicated to Bird Recognition, we have shown you the eating habits of some birds so that you can understand how to attract birds to your garden. To attract birds, you should install a water bowl that encourages the birds to come closer.
