How to Get Rid of Caterpillars Naturally

Sprinkle BT on the affected leaves. One of the most popular methods for getting rid of caterpillars natuarlly is Bacillus thuringiensis, or BT. This bacteria is found in many garden stores as a powder. Sprinkle it over the affected crops; the bacteria will remain on the leaves. When the caterpillar eats the leaves, it also eats the bacteria. The bacteria then grows in the caterpillars stomach until the caterpillar dies, usually within 20 minutes.

Add or attract insect predators to your garden. Many birds, reptiles and amphibians eat caterpillars, as do wasps and praying mantis. You can attract these animals to your garden by adding items that are attractive to the desired predator. You can also introduce them into your garden to control the pest population. Be sure that the predator you are adding is not a pest itself. You don't want to have to remove another pest later on.

Hand pick eggs and caterpillars off the leaves. The eggs and caterpillars are easy to see. Wear gloves as some caterpillars have hairs that can irritate the skin. Pull the caterpillar off and crush it. This is the most environmentally safe method as you are targeting the pests. No other critters can get accidentally hurt. This method is time consuming, however.

Make a batch of chili pesticide. Crush a few cloves of garlic with some chili peppers. Mix this with hot water and a little soap in a spray bottle. Spray it on the plants. The soap helps the mixture stick to the pest. Be careful, though, as this will not only hurt the caterpillars, but also lady bugs and other beneficial bugs.

Wrap insect glue around trees you want to protect from caterpillars. This method will not work with smaller plants as the strip needs to be wrapped around the plant. The caterpillars will get stuck in the glue and die. This method will kill beneficial bugs that get stuck in the trap as well as the pests.