IT’S that time of year when caterpillars come out of their cocoons and make their way to our gardens.
While it’s lovely to see all the wildlife out again, it can be a nuisance for your garden as they tend to like eating plants.
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Fortunately, a gardening expert has revealed three simple and cheap hacks to stop them in their tracks.
Gardening expert, Emma Loker, at DIY Garden revealed many people forget the devastation these critters can cause.
Speaking to the Express, she said: “Many people underestimate the humble caterpillar. But, you shouldn’t be deceived by these bothersome bugs. If your garden experiences a caterpillar invasion, your plants will suffer.”
The first tip Emma recommended is a simple mix of soap and water.
She explained it was a quick solution to repel caterpillars.
Simply mix warm regular soap with warm water and spray onto the plants.
This will make the leaves slippery so that caterpillars can’t climb up them.
Next, the gardening expert suggested using neem oil, a natural pesticide.
“Just add 60ml of neem oil to eight pints of water,” she explained.
“Make sure it’s mixed properly, then apply it to your affected plants in the evening and the morning after.
“This solution kills caterpillars through suffocation.”
You can also make a pepper and garlic spray to kill off the pests.
Mix together one tablespoon of red pepper flakes, one bulb of minced garlic, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and eight pints of water.
Leave it to marinate for 24 hours and then spray onto the plants.
Gardening tips and hacks
