Caterpillars can cause significant damage to your garden and plants - but there's a basic homemade spray you can make which will repel these notorious pests08:34, 03 Jul 2026Every gardening enthusiast understands that few pests can cause as much destruction to your cherished garden as a caterpillar invasion. While these creatures might appear innocuous, their insatiable hunger can inflict severe damage on plants and allotments.‌Indeed, boxtree caterpillars have grown increasingly prevalent across the UK and are now widely regarded as Britain's most damaging pest.‌These insects can completely strip a hedge or box ball plant in less than a week, leaving behind a distinctive silvery webbing and lifeless foliage. Boxtree caterpillar invasions are at their peak between April and October.‌According to the RHS: "Increasingly common in gardens, box caterpillar can completely defoliate box plants. Though relatively new to Britain, it has spread widely across England - particularly London and surrounding areas - and has reached the rest of the UK and Ireland."If you notice unusual gaps in your plants' leaves or discover these oval-shaped, sluggish insects on the foliage, it's highly probable you're facing a caterpillar invasion, reports the Express.‌However, before reaching for the strongest chemicals to tackle the issue, consider these homemade sprays as a safe, environmentally-friendly and natural solution for your caterpillar troubles. It's remarkably easy to fork out hundreds of pounds on pest control products for your garden, when the same results can be achieved without spending a fortune.Creating homemade natural sprays to keep caterpillars away from your garden will not only help you save cash, but also ensure your garden and plants remain free from harsh chemicals.Give these straightforward, homemade caterpillar-repelling sprays a go using everyday household ingredients to tackle your caterpillar issue effectively - all backed by experts.‌Potent natural sprayGarden and plant specialists at Sai Nursery have developed a powerful caterpillar-deterring homemade spray recipe - and it relies on ingredients you likely already have sitting in your kitchen cupboard.The garden and plant experts explain: "For a potent homemade caterpillar deterrent, combine crushed chili, garlic cloves, dishwashing liquid, vegetable oil, and turmeric with water. Let the mixture sit for a while before spraying it generously on both sides of the leaves."‌Caterpillars are put off by the pungent smell of garlic, which contains natural compounds these pests find unpleasant, while crushed chilli has components that irritate soft-bodied insects.Turmeric is frequently used in homemade pest sprays due to its powerful aroma and naturally occurring compounds, while the vegetable oil helps coat the surface of foliage, making it more difficult for caterpillars to grip and munch on your cherished plants.The washing-up liquid also helps to reduce caterpillars' grip, and its sticky consistency ensures the homemade mixture clings to leaves and insects — keeping the solution firmly in place.‌Soapy SprayGardening company The Little Veggie Patch Co recommends a basic soapy spray as an effective caterpillar-repelling solution. The experts say: "One of the classic sprays in every gardener's toolkit - soapy spray - is great for aphids, whitefly, thrip and caterpillars."Mix 1 tablespoon of biodegradable dishwashing liquid with 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in 1 litre of water. Spray over the foliage of plants, particularly on the underside of leaves where the pests often live. This will keep for 1 month."‌Soapy garlic sprayLandscaping specialists Maroochy Sand and Gravel suggest a soapy garlic spray as a reliable remedy for your caterpillar woes.To whip up this natural spray, you'll only need 500ml of water, a spray bottle, two level tablespoons of garlic powder and one teaspoon of any washing-up liquid.‌To put this straightforward spray together, begin by pouring the water into the spray bottle. Then, stir in the garlic powder, and finish by adding the washing-up liquid.Once all the ingredients are combined in the bottle, secure the lid on the spray container and give it a vigorous, thorough shake to fully blend the garlic powder and washing-up liquid together.How to apply: Should you notice any plants in your garden that already show signs of damage, simply take your homemade spray and coat the affected area thoroughly with the solution.Article continues belowAlternatively, if you spot any live caterpillars on your plants, you can spray the mixture directly onto the underside of each caterpillar.The landscape experts share: "Caterpillars don't like the taste and the smell of garlic so this will deter them to go to another place, other than eating your lovely plants."Pro tip: If the mixture separates between uses, just give it another good shake and you're all set to go once more.