IT'S that time of year when caterpillars come out of their cocoons and make their way to our gardens.
While it's lovely to see all the wildlife out again, it can be a nuisance for your garden as they tend to like eating plants.
Fortunately, a gardening expert has revealed three simple and cheap hacks to stop them in their tracks.
Gardening expert, Emma Loker, at DIY Garden revealed many people forget the devastation these critters can cause.
Speaking to the Express, she said: "Many people underestimate the humble caterpillar. But, you shouldn’t be deceived by these bothersome bugs. If your garden experiences a caterpillar invasion, your plants will suffer."
The first tip Emma recommended is a simple mix of soap and water.
READ MORE GARDENING HACKS
Savvy mum shares simple three-ingredient recipe she uses to kill weeds
Gardening expert shares four hacks to clean grimy patio for less than a fiver
She explained it was a quick solution to repel caterpillars.
Simply mix warm regular soap with warm water and spray onto the plants.
This will make the leaves slippery so that caterpillars can't climb up them.
Next, the gardening expert suggested using neem oil, a natural pesticide.
Most read in Fabulous
'No doubt' Prince Harry will return to UK when he sees truth about Meghan
I'm a mum-of-ten and my kids sleep on the floor – we only have a three-bed home
I was excited to get my skinny lips pumped with filler – the results shocked me
Mum who got £250k on Rich House Poor House reveals everything you didn't see
"Just add 60ml of neem oil to eight pints of water," she explained.
"Make sure it’s mixed properly, then apply it to your affected plants in the evening and the morning after.
"This solution kills caterpillars through suffocation.”
You can also make a pepper and garlic spray to kill off the pests.
Mix together one tablespoon of red pepper flakes, one bulb of minced garlic, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and eight pints of water.
Leave it to marinate for 24 hours and then spray onto the plants.
Gardening tips and hacks
How to transform your garden on a cheap budget
How to preserve your favourite flowers at home – 5 easy tips explained
Which plants should I be wary about my dog being around?
When is the best time to prune roses?
When should I start planting daffodil bulbs?
How high can a garden fence be and can it be taller than my neighbours?
What colour fence paint makes a garden look bigger?
Will my garden plants still grow if my backyard doesn't receive any sun?
Source: Read Full Article