One day you wake up in the morning, you go to the garden and that is when you realize that the plants do not look like just a few hours ago. What happened? If we have to look for a "culprit", we would undoubtedly find the worms and caterpillars. Although it is important to note that they feed because otherwise they could not survive, and that it is highly recommended that there be a variety of insects so that the garden remains healthy and balanced, the truth is that there are some that pass.
So is there a way to eliminate, or at least repel the worms that plague our beloved plants? Here we are going to teach you how to eliminate worms and caterpillars.
Worms and caterpillars
Caterpillars are larvae that belong to the group of insects that includes butterflies and moths. We know that in the first part of their life cycle both butterflies and moths lay their eggs on plants and in a few days the caterpillar is born. It is the caterpillar that affects crops and our plants as they have a voracious appetite. The need to feed continuously in order to develop into a new butterfly causes us to find problems in our plants and crops that have caused pest problems. On some occasions, the damage they can cause is so serious that it causes the total loss of the crop.
We know that large amounts of chemicals exist for protect our plantations, but they can become toxic to humans and the environment. Therefore, we are always looking for how to eliminate worms and caterpillars naturally. In this way, we achieve a powerful effect, without side effects and being respectful with the environment.
How to spot caterpillars on plants
One of the main aspects is learning to detect the presence of caterpillars in our plants, both dead and in the garden. It's pretty straightforward. The first thing we must see in its size and colors and the second the visibility and the evidence that its symptoms produce in vegetables. Some of the main symptoms that occur when caterpillars find on our plants are noticeable quite easily. We can see galleries, of exfoliations, holes and bites in the superficial leaves. They can also attack the most tender shoots and some fruits to feed themselves with a greater quantity.
One of the symptoms with which we can easily identify caterpillars is an accumulation of black dots on the leaves that are their feces. It will be transplanted with bitten leaves, black spots or holes, we can know that the caterpillars are present, although they have colors to camouflage themselves in them.
How to remove worms and caterpillars naturally
We are going to see how we can eliminate caterpillars and worms from plants by making a homemade pesticide or pesticide. In this way, we ensure the health of the plants and we will not generate toxic waste that may affect our health or the environment. Let's see what are the main ingredients needed:
- Tomato: the tomato plant produces molecules called alkaloids during its metabolism. These alkaloids act as an excellent repellent to be able to drive away not only worms and caterpillars, but also aphids.
- Cilantro: It is a plant that has multiple properties and can be used to repel these most annoying species. We just have to strain it and mix to spread it with a spray.
- Nettle: It is also considered a weed because it grows very easily in fields and gardens. However, it is known for its medicinal properties and for being an excellent pesticide. If we mix 100 grams of nettle with 10 liters of water we can have a perfect pesticide. To do this, we must let it rest for a while.
- Tobacco: it has an alkaloid called nicotine and which also acts as a repellent against pests. We only have to mix 60 grams of natural tobacco with 1 liter of water.
Natural treatment to eliminate worms and caterpillars
No need to use chemical insecticides. In fact, when it comes to doing treatments in the garden, as far as possible we must avoid the use of these chemicals, as they are toxic to humans and the environment, especially if we do not use them well, or if we overuse them.
Fighting back worms and caterpillars with bacteria
But not just anyone, but with the Bacillus thuringiensis. You will find this bacterium for sale in garden stores and nurseries, and you can also get it here. You simply have to sprinkle the soil in the affected area in the afternoon, which is when these pests, such as the green worm, come out to feed. Of course, you should keep in mind that it also feeds on butterfly caterpillars, so if you do not want to damage them, it is better to use another method.
Garlic and egg shells to repel these tenants
Did you use to throw away the eggshells? Do not do it anymore: they can be used to repel worms. Chop them up and scatter them on the ground. You will see how little by little they stop going. In addition, as they decompose, they will serve as compost for your plants.
And what about garlic? Garlic is a natural insecticide that will keep away, not only worms, but other pests, such as aphids. Chop one or two garlic cloves and place them around the affected plants.
Attracts animals that feed on worms
There are many that feed on them, such as toads, fireflies, blackbirds, sparrows, moles ... Make your garden a safe place for them: put nest boxes or a pond, or have some shady corners.
What if nothing works? Then there will be no choice but to use a chemical phytosanitary, such as this. Of course, it is very important that you read the instructions on the container and follow the instructions to avoid problems.
With these tricks, you will surely not have to worry about worms anymore
Hello, I found a white worm in my land, I have planted cibulet, coriander and mint ... I also had basil in this land, (where I noticed that the leaves were eaten but I never knew they were eaten), then I planted ginger to see if anything grew ... Today several months later, plowing the land, I found in the sector where I put the ginger ... some maggots type larvae, white ... and one was darker almost black ... the rest all white in various parts ...
C
What are they? And if they are bad, how did he attack them without harming the worms ????
Hi Carla.
They could be nematodes. The problem is that there are many species that are beneficial, and others that are not. The truth is that I do not understand much about insects, but if you have already had problems, I do recommend disinfecting the soil using the method of solarization. The downside is that everything is eliminated with it: insects and plants, but then you would have a clean ground.
A greeting.
Very good I am cleaning up a large planter in my garden and some very fat white worms are emerging, curling up on themselves, from the roots. Is this product recommended?
Thank you
Hi carmen.
Yes, you can use these remedies to eliminate them.
Greetings.
Hello .. we have two succulents inside our apartment ... In one of them a green worm appeared with a yellow head and left a kind of spider web ... I removed it and removed the leaves of the succulent that were wilted and affected ... I followed excavate a little on the ground and I left half a clove of garlic and covered again .. I applied water to the ground. Is this enough to prevent it from reappearing? Close to the succulents we have a poinsettia but it does not have any bugs ... Only the leaves that normally get a white coating over time. Does it have something to do with it?
Thank you.
Hi carlos.
Just in case, I recommend you also treat them with Cypermethrin 10%. This will kill any larvae that may be on the ground.
A greeting.
Hi there! I have several cacti and succulents, I found in them a dark worm, like black, eating the leaves, and leaving the plant like a drool. Remove the eaten leaves and separate the plants that were eaten from the others. What can they be? And how can I eliminate them? Greetings!
Hello Romina.
I recommend treating it with cypermethrin, which is an insecticide that will kill the worms.
A greeting.
Good morning,
I have two plants, one of mint and the other of basil, both of which are eaten by little green worms but very hungry.
I tried chemical spray but it does not work.
Do you think I can use any natural treatment to eliminate them?
Thank you
Hello Mercè.
I recommend treating them with diatomaceous earth (they sell it in Amazon, and in those stores that sell a bit of everything like animal food, fruits, etc.).
You pour over the plants and onto the earth, as if you were adding salt. The next day there will be no worms left.
A greeting.
Good afternoon, I have a desert flower and I just noticed that the bark of its branches began to fall when I checked I found that it has many worms inside it and there are already several arms that it is secreting I knew that I can finish them before they finish with my flower,
regards
Hello Gustavo.
Treat it with 10% Cypermethrin.
A greeting.
I have a worm similar to the one in the photo, only this one is more green than white and its hands are not black…. What do I do?
Good afternoon! In my farm the eaten lettuces appeared and I observe many light-colored and hairy worms. How can I fight them? Thanks!!
Hi Marianela.
If you can, I recommend using diatomaceous earth, which is a whitish powder made from microscopic algae. The dose is 35g per liter of water. They sell it on Amazon.
In case you can't find it, in the article you have other natural remedies.
A greeting.
Hopefully with these home remedies the guzanos disappear, because they are killing my little plants, thank you very much for these tips on home remedies.
Hi Estela.
Thank you. We hope they are useful to you.
Regards!