As the gardening season is in full swing, a TikTok creator has shared her tricks to keep caterpillars from munching on your plants. The gardener, known as Rated Special K, shared a video in which she revealed how she found caterpillars on her zucchini plants one morning, leaving holes in the middle of the plant’s leaves.
Rated Special K suggests picking the caterpillars off and then pinching them with your fingers to kill them. If that is too gruesome for you, she recommends buying Monterey BT, a biological insecticide that is safe for organic gardening. The gardener advises mixing it into a one-gallon sprayer according to the directions. She then recommends spraying the plants down completely, even under the leaves, for the best coverage and protection. After killing the caterpillars with her fingers and then spraying the plants with the biological insecticide, she covers the plants and never has to worry about them again.
The gardener’s tips have been praised by many gardeners on TikTok. One user commented, “I’ve been doing this for years! Works every time!” Another user wrote, “Thank you! I’ve been having a hard time with caterpillars this year.”
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. While they may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to plants. They chew on leaves, flowers, and fruits, which can weaken the plant and cause it to die. Therefore, it is essential to keep caterpillars away from your garden.
Rated Special K’s tips are easy to follow and require minimal effort. Picking the caterpillars off by hand is an effective way to control their population. However, it can be a bit gruesome for some gardeners. Buying a biological insecticide like Monterey BT is an excellent alternative for those who don’t want to touch the caterpillars.
Monterey BT is a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in the soil. It is safe for organic gardening and does not harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. The bacterium produces a toxin that targets the digestive system of caterpillars, killing them within a few days.
To use Monterey BT, mix it into a one-gallon sprayer according to the directions. Shake it well before use. Then, spray the plants down completely, including the undersides of the leaves, where caterpillars like to hang out. The bacterium will kill all the caterpillars, and you won’t have to worry about them again.
In conclusion, Rated Special K’s tips are an excellent way to keep caterpillars from munching on your plants. Picking the caterpillars off by hand and using a biological insecticide like Monterey BT are both effective methods. By following these tips, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.