Organic Control For Caterpillars

Q: My tomato plants are being invaded by little black caterpillars that are eating the leaves. I am trying to keep my garden pesticide free. I am looking for something pollinator friendly.

A: The best organic control for caterpillars is any product containing Bacillus thuringiensis, abbreviated B.t. (Thuricide, Dipel, Caterpillar Killer, etc.) This bacteria is only activated in a caterpillar’s alkaline digestive system, meaning that humans, birds, and animals are unaffected by it but caterpillars are killed immediately. Remember that butterflies come from caterpillars, so it’s a bad idea to spray your whole garden