How to Get Rid of Caterpillars on Mum Plant

Caterpillars can be a nuisance for gardeners, especially when they start munching on your beloved mum plants. These voracious eaters can quickly decimate the leaves and flowers of your mums if left unchecked. However, there are several effective methods for getting rid of caterpillars and protecting your mum plants. In this article, we will explore some eco-friendly strategies to keep those caterpillars at bay.

Identify the Caterpillars

Before taking any action, it is important to identify the specific type of caterpillar infesting your mum plants. This knowledge will help you determine the most appropriate method to combat them. Different caterpillars have different feeding habits and vulnerabilities.

Some common caterpillars that feed on mum plants include the cabbage looper, cutworms, and armyworms. The cabbage looper is light green with white stripes and typically feeds on the underside of leaves, creating holes. Cutworms are usually gray or black and can cause significant damage by chewing through stems at the base of plants. Armyworms are brown or green with stripes and tend to eat leaves in large quantities.

Natural Predators

One of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to control caterpillar populations is by encouraging natural predators to visit your garden. Birds, such as sparrows, chickadees, and finches, feed on caterpillars and can help keep their numbers in check. You can attract these birds by providing birdhouses, bird feeders, and bird baths in your garden.

Another natural predator of caterpillars is the praying mantis. These fascinating insects are known for their voracious appetite for small insects, including caterpillars. You can introduce praying mantis eggs into your garden to help control caterpillar populations naturally.

Handpicking

If you only have a few caterpillars on your mum plants, handpicking them can be an effective method of control. Put on a pair of gloves and carefully inspect the leaves and stems of your plants. Remove any caterpillars you find and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. This method may take some time and effort, but it is an eco-friendly way to eliminate caterpillars without the use of chemicals.

Organic Sprays

If the caterpillar infestation is severe or handpicking is not practical, organic sprays can be used to control the population. These sprays are made from natural ingredients and are safe for both your mum plants and the environment.

One popular organic spray is a mixture of neem oil and water. Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and has insecticidal properties. Dilute neem oil in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it on your mum plants, focusing on the affected areas. This spray will not only kill caterpillars but also repel other pests.

Another effective organic spray is made by mixing dish soap with water. The soap suffocates caterpillars on contact, causing them to die. To make this spray, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the caterpillars and affected areas.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a technique that involves growing certain plants together to benefit each other. In the case of controlling caterpillars on mum plants, there are several companion plants that can help repel these pests.

Marigolds are known to repel many types of insects, including caterpillars. Planting marigolds near your mum plants can act as a natural deterrent. Other plants that have been found to repel caterpillars include lavender, thyme, sage, and mint. Consider incorporating these companion plants into your garden to help keep caterpillars away from your mums.

Physical Barriers

If you want to protect your mum plants from caterpillars, physical barriers can be an effective solution. Floating row covers made of lightweight fabric can be draped over your mum plants to prevent caterpillars from accessing them. These covers allow sunlight, air, and water to reach the plants while keeping pests at bay. Secure the edges of the covers with rocks or stakes to ensure that caterpillars cannot crawl underneath.

Another physical barrier option is using sticky traps. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that captures caterpillars when they come into contact with it. Place these traps around your mum plants to catch and eliminate caterpillars.

Conclusion

Dealing with caterpillar infestations on mum plants can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can safely and effectively control their populations. Whether it’s encouraging natural predators, handpicking, using organic sprays, companion planting, or implementing physical barriers, there are plenty of eco-friendly options to choose from. By taking action against these pesky caterpillars, you can ensure that your mum plants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the season.