Introduction

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable crop, but they are vulnerable to a variety of pests, including caterpillars. Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can be a real problem for tomato plants. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to keep caterpillars off of tomato plants.

Identifying Caterpillars

Before we discuss how to keep caterpillars off of tomato plants, it’s important to know what you are dealing with. Caterpillars come in a variety of shapes and sizes and may be difficult to spot. Some common caterpillar pests of tomato plants include the tomato hornworm, the tobacco hornworm, and the cabbage looper. The tomato hornworm is a large green caterpillar that can grow up to four inches long and has a distinct horn on its tail end. The tobacco hornworm is very similar in appearance to the tomato hornworm but has a black horn. The cabbage looper is a small green caterpillar that “loops” as it crawls and can often be found on the undersides of leaves.

Physical Barriers

One effective way to keep caterpillars off of tomato plants is to use physical barriers. These can include floating row covers, which are lightweight fabrics that are placed over the plants and act as a barrier to pests. Another option is to use netting to cover the plants, which can be secured with stakes or garden hoops. Both of these methods can help deter caterpillars from getting to your tomato plants.

Natural Predators

Natural predators can also be a great way to keep caterpillars off of tomato plants. These include birds, wasps, and even chickens. Birds and wasps are both natural enemies of caterpillars and will gladly feast on them if given the chance. You can encourage birds to visit your garden by setting up bird feeders or bird baths. Wasps can be attracted to your garden by planting nectar-producing flowers or by hanging up wasp traps. Chickens are also great at eating caterpillars and will gladly forage through your garden if given the chance.

Handpicking

One of the most effective ways to keep caterpillars off of tomato plants is to simply handpick them off. This can be tedious, but it’s important to remove caterpillars as soon as you spot them to prevent them from causing more damage. Use gloves to protect your hands and a small bucket or jar to collect the caterpillars. Once you have collected them, you can dispose of them by throwing them in a bucket of soapy water or feeding them to chickens or birds.

Biological Controls

Biological controls can also be an effective way to keep caterpillars off of tomato plants. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacteria that is toxic to caterpillars but harmless to humans, pets, and beneficial insects. It can be applied to tomato plants as a foliar spray and will be ingested by the caterpillars, causing them to stop feeding and eventually die. Another option is to use nematodes, which are microscopic worms that are natural predators of caterpillars. They can be applied to the soil surrounding the tomato plants and will actively seek out and kill caterpillar larvae.

Conclusion

Caterpillars can be a real problem for tomato plants, but there are many effective ways to keep them off. By using a combination of physical barriers, natural predators, handpicking, and biological controls, you can protect your tomato plants from these pests and enjoy a healthy and bountiful harvest.