Caterpillars are moths that feed on shrubs and trees during their larval stage. They love broad-leaved trees, conifers, fruit trees and perennial flowers; however, they are only deadly to conifers that do not lose their foliage. The main methods of getting rid of caterpillars are by hand and with an insecticide during specific stages of their development.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Observe the Caterpillars
Step 1. Start looking for caterpillars during the winter or early spring
The caterpillar egg pouches are brown and have a length of 3.8-5cm. They are covered in dead leaves, so they appear more prominent in contrast to the deciduous green leaves at this time.
Bags of caterpillar eggs can be very difficult to find because they look like pine cones. Check the pine cones for variations that may be caterpillars
Step 2. Sweep and rake under trees regularly to get rid of fallen egg bags
Do not put debris in the compost, where the larvae can live. Put them in sealed plastic bags in your waste bin.
Step 3. Look for areas of dead pine needles or branches
If your tree has begun to turn brown, the caterpillars may have already killed it. A final attempt is recommended to rid your entire garden of caterpillars so they don't spread to other trees.
Step 4. Look for new spots where caterpillars can nest
Their drool is carried by the wind. And wherever the wind blows on your garden is a potential new breeding ground for moths and a great place to look.
Part 2 of 3: Killing the caterpillar eggs
Step 1. Fill a plastic bucket with a mixture of warm water and dish soap
Mix it well.
Step 2. Put on garden gloves and use a small pair of shears to help remove the caterpillars entirely
The shears will remove all traces of the caterpillar threads, so that it is more difficult for new caterpillars to nest in the tree.
Step 3. Lift the branches, cut the caterpillar egg bags and drop them into the bucket of soapy water
Make sure they are completely submerged.
Step 4. Throw the soaked bags into a sealed plastic bag and throw them in your dumpster
Step 5. Repeat this procedure every fall, winter and early spring to reduce caterpillar populations before the eggs hatch
You will reduce the amount of pesticides you need to use if you do a thorough job of collecting egg bags.
Part 3 of 3: Killing the Out-of-Shell Caterpillars
Step 1. Plan to treat the caterpillars with an insecticide in May
This is the period when they hatch and are most vulnerable. In some areas, they hatch in early June.
Step 2. Look for a small, worm-like head trying to pop out of the top of the bag
However, they often retract into their pouches if they are scared.
Step 3. Purchase an insecticide such as Dipel and Thuricide
These specific insecticides contain bacillus thuringiensis, a deadly bacterium for young caterpillars. If you have many trees affected by caterpillars, it can be expensive to completely kill them with insecticide.
Orthene, Talstar and Tempo are other insecticides that have been shown to be effective in eliminating caterpillars as soon as they have emerged from their shells
Step 4. Put the insecticide in a sprayer
Thoroughly wet the leaves and needles of trees that may be affected. Be careful when spraying insecticide around pets and small children.
Consider isolating the area treated with the insecticide spray
Step 5. Spread the insecticide in late May, June and early July
This is the time when you can kill the young larvae. Stop in late July and August when the caterpillars are hardy and the insecticide no longer works.
- In September and early October, the adult caterpillar begins to fertilize the eggs. You should start the egg bag collection process right now.
- Adult male caterpillars are moths with black wings and brown spots. They die after fertilization. The females of the caterpillar remain inside the pouches in their larval state.
