What to Use to Kill Horned Caterpillars on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are notorious for attracting pests such as horned caterpillars. These pesky creatures can cause significant damage to your tomato plants, destroying not only the leaves but also the fruit. As a tomato plant owner, it is essential to know what to use to kill horned caterpillars on tomato plants. In this article, we will explore several natural and chemical solutions to help you get rid of these pests once and for all.

Natural Remedies

If you prefer to use natural remedies to kill horned caterpillars on tomato plants, you have several options. These include:

Bacillus Thuringiensis

Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) is a soil-dwelling bacterium that produces a protein that is toxic to many caterpillars, including horned caterpillars. You can buy BT sprays at your local gardening store or online. To use, mix the BT powder with water and spray it generously onto your tomato plants. Repeat every seven to ten days, or as directed on the package.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that comes from the neem tree. It is safe to use on edible plants, including tomatoes. To use, mix the neem oil with water and spray it onto your tomato plants. Be sure to thoroughly cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Repeat every seven to ten days or as needed.

Chemical Solutions

If you prefer to use chemical solutions to kill horned caterpillars on tomato plants, there are several options available:

Carbaryl

Carbaryl is a broad-spectrum insecticide that kills many different types of caterpillars, including horned caterpillars. You can purchase carbaryl sprays at your local gardening store or online. To use, mix the carbaryl powder with water and spray it onto your tomato plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Permethrin

Permethrin is another broad-spectrum insecticide that is effective against many types of caterpillars. Like carbaryl, you can purchase permethrin sprays at your local gardening store or online. To use, mix the permethrin powder with water and spray it generously onto your tomato plants. Follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Prevention

The best way to deal with horned caterpillars on tomato plants is to prevent them from infesting your plants in the first place. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Inspect Your Plants Regularly

Inspect your tomato plants regularly for signs of horned caterpillars. Look for stripped leaves or fruit, and keep an eye out for the caterpillars themselves.

Remove Infested Leaves

If you do find horned caterpillars on your tomato plants, remove infested leaves immediately. This will help prevent the caterpillars from spreading to other parts of the plant.

Use Row Covers

Use row covers to protect your tomato plants from pests like horned caterpillars. These covers will prevent the caterpillars from reaching the plants and laying their eggs.

Conclusion

Horned caterpillars can wreak havoc on your tomato plants, but knowing what to use to kill them can save your crop. Whether you prefer natural or chemical solutions, there are several options available to you. Remember, prevention is always the best course of action, so be sure to inspect your plants regularly and take steps to protect them against pests.