How to Get Rid of Caterpillars on Geranium Plant

Geraniums are beloved by gardeners for their colorful blooms and ease of care. However, they are also a favorite food source for caterpillars, which can quickly decimate your plants if left unchecked. If you’re dealing with a caterpillar infestation on your geraniums, don’t panic! There are several effective methods for getting rid of these pests and protecting your plants.

Identify the Type of Caterpillar

Before you can effectively deal with caterpillars on your geraniums, it’s important to identify what type of caterpillar you’re dealing with. Some caterpillars are harmless or even beneficial to your garden, so you don’t want to accidentally kill off the wrong ones.

The most common types of caterpillars that feed on geraniums include:

• Cabbage loopers: These green caterpillars have a distinct looping movement and can be identified by the white stripe on each side.
• Geranium budworms: These caterpillars are light green with dark heads and feed on the buds of geranium plants.
• Cutworms: These brown or gray caterpillars are nocturnal and feed on the stems of plants at ground level.
• Beet armyworms: These green or brown caterpillars have distinctive stripes and feed on the leaves of geraniums.

Once you’ve identified the type of caterpillar, you can choose the appropriate method for getting rid of them.

Natural Methods for Getting Rid of Caterpillars

If you prefer to use natural methods for pest control, there are several options for getting rid of caterpillars on your geranium plants:

Hand-Picking

One of the easiest ways to get rid of caterpillars is to simply pick them off by hand. Wear gloves and carefully inspect your plants, removing any visible caterpillars. Place them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be effective against caterpillars. Mix one teaspoon of neem oil with one quart of water and spray the mixture on your geranium plants, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves where caterpillars are often found.

Bacillus Thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a naturally occurring bacteria that kills caterpillars. It’s available in powder form and can be mixed with water and sprayed on your geranium plants. BT is safe for humans and pets but should only be used as a last resort, as it can also harm beneficial insects like butterflies.

Chemical Methods for Getting Rid of Caterpillars

If natural methods aren’t effective or you prefer to use chemical pesticides, there are several options:

Spinosad

Spinosad is a chemical pesticide that’s effective against caterpillars. Mix one ounce of spinosad with one gallon of water and spray the mixture on your geranium plants. Spinosad is toxic to bees, so avoid using it during the daytime when bees are active.

Pyrethrin

Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It’s effective against caterpillars but can also harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Use pyrethrin sparingly and only when necessary.

Preventing Caterpillars on Geranium Plants

The best way to deal with caterpillars is to prevent them from infesting your geranium plants in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing caterpillar infestations:

• Plant companion plants: Plant herbs like basil or flowers like marigolds near your geraniums to deter caterpillars.
• Clean up debris: Caterpillars often hide in debris on the ground, so keep your garden clean and free of fallen leaves and other debris.
• Use row covers: Cover your geranium plants with row covers to prevent adult moths from laying their eggs on the plants.
• Rotate crops: If you have had problems with caterpillars in the past, rotate your geraniums with other types of plants to break the pest cycle.

FAQ

How do I know if caterpillars are eating my geraniums?

Look for holes in the leaves and buds of your geraniums. Caterpillars often leave behind distinctive chew marks.

Are all caterpillars harmful to geraniums?

No, some caterpillars are harmless or even beneficial to your garden. It’s important to identify the type of caterpillar before taking action.

Can I use pesticides on my geraniums?

Yes, but use them sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Pesticides can harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

What else can I do to keep my garden pest-free?

In addition to the tips mentioned above, practice good garden hygiene by removing dead and diseased plants, watering correctly, and fertilizing regularly. A healthy garden is less susceptible to pests and diseases.