How to Get Rid of Caterpillars and Centipedes in the Garden

Caterpillars and centipedes can overtake gardens in a hurry.

Caterpillars and centipedes belong outside, but not necessarily in your garden. Caterpillars will often eat vegetation, which may ultimately lead to the plant's demise. Centipedes are typically beneficial in the garden, as they are predators and hunt down garden pests. However, it's time to do something about them when they are taking over and make you feel uncomfortable. A variety of options is available to get rid of these garden pests without harming the environment.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• Lidded container
• Sticky traps
• Garlic or pepper spray

Instructions

1. Squirt the invaders with a strong blast from the garden hose. The hose will usually knock the bugs off of the plants and can push them out of the garden when on the soil. Squirt underneath the leaves as well, to remove any caterpillars or centipedes hiding under them. The bugs will likely look for another garden to bother if they constantly receive this type of welcome when they bother your plants.

2. Place gloves on your hands and remove the bugs with tweezers. Place the collected caterpillars and centipedes in a lidded container and relocate them to another part of your yard when done.

3. Lay sticky traps down on the garden soil to capture the leggy pests. The adhesive on the trap will capture the caterpillars and centipedes and won't let them go. Throw the used traps in the trash can and replace them until the caterpillars and centipedes are gone.

4. Remove any debris lying in your garden, such as dead leaves. Centipedes are attracted to and hide in such material and may stay away from the garden if it is clear of the debris.

5. Spray garlic or pepper spray on the plants in your garden. Caterpillars typically dislike the way the sprays taste and once they encounter them, they'll likely move on to better-tasting vegetation. Most of these types of products are sprayed directly on the plants; however, read the directions that come with your spray, as they can vary depending on the brand.

Tips & Warnings

• Sticky traps and garlic and peppers sprays are available at many home improvement stores and garden centers.

References

• University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Millipedes and Centipedes
• Flowers Magazine; Getting Rid of Caterpillars in Garden; November 2010