Will Garlic Soapy Water Kill Caterpillars on Plants?

Caterpillars are one of the many insects that can wreak havoc on plants, leaving them defoliated and damaged. While there are many effective insecticides available to control these pests, many people prefer to use natural solutions to avoid potentially harmful chemicals. One such solution is garlic soapy water, but does it really work to kill caterpillars on plants?

The Science Behind Garlic Soapy Water

Garlic has long been known for its insecticidal properties, particularly against soft-bodied insects like aphids and mealybugs. Its strong smell and flavor is thought to repel many insects, while also disrupting their feeding and mating behavior.

Making garlic soapy water involves blending several cloves of garlic with water and liquid soap, then straining the mixture to remove any solids. The resulting liquid can be sprayed directly onto plant foliage to control various pests, including caterpillars.

Evidence of Garlic Soapy Water's Efficacy

While there is little scientific research specifically on garlic soapy water, several studies have investigated the effectiveness of garlic-based insecticides against caterpillars and other pests. In one study, a garlic extract was found to significantly reduce the number of codling moth larvae, a common pest of apple trees.

Another study found that garlic essential oil was particularly effective against cabbage looper caterpillars, reducing their feeding activity and causing significant mortality.

Although these studies did not use garlic soapy water specifically, they do suggest that garlic can be an effective tool in controlling caterpillars and other pests.

How to Use Garlic Soapy Water Against Caterpillars

If you decide to use garlic soapy water to control caterpillars on your plants, it's important to follow a few basic steps:

Choose fresh garlic cloves and a mild liquid soap. Avoid using harsh detergents or dish soaps that could harm your plants.

Blend several cloves of garlic with water in a blender or food processor. Strain the mixture to remove any solids.

Add a few drops of liquid soap to the garlic water mixture, then stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray directly onto the leaves of your affected plants. Be sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves, as caterpillars often feed on the undersides of leaves.

Repeat the process every few days or as needed until the caterpillar infestation has been eliminated.

Final Thoughts

Garlic soapy water can be a powerful natural tool in controlling caterpillars and other pests on your plants. While more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, the evidence suggests that garlic can help to disrupt insect feeding and mating behavior, ultimately reducing their populations.

However, it's important to note that garlic soapy water should not be used as a replacement for other pest control methods, such as physical barriers or cultural practices. Additionally, it's important to always use garlic soapy water safely and according to the manufacturer's instructions, as improper use can harm both the plants and the environment.

Overall, garlic soapy water is a natural and potentially effective solution for controlling caterpillars on plants. Give it a try and see if it works for you!