The boxwood moth naturally occurs in China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and in the eastern part of Russia. Relatively recently, it also appeared in Poland. It is a considerable problem, not only because it is an extremely voracious pest, but also because it reproduces massively, and in our climate it does not have natural enemies. So it’s worth knowing how to recognize the symptoms of living boxes and how to save the plant after its attack.
The boxwood moth is one of the most destructive ones that attack boxwood. Therefore, when we notice in the bush Green caterpillars with black stripes, we should start working immediately, because it is these pests that begin to destroy our plants. Do not delay the fight against boxwood, because the sooner we react, the greater the chance we have to save our bushes.
The symptoms that should worry us are Barthed edges of the leaves, and later also entire boxwood leaves. Ultimately, the plant can even be completely stripped of the leaves and as a result will start dying. It also happens that as a result of feeding of boxwood moth They wither single shoots or with a greater invasion all boxwood rows.
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Fortunately, reacting enough, we can save our boxwood after moth attack. Just take a few steps to make the plant come back to good condition. The first step to be done is thorough cleaning of the bush. We remove all dry and bitten leaves and cobwebs. We can do it manually or using a strong stream of water, e.g. from a garden hose. It is worth additionally Dig the soil around the plant, because a large part of pests can winter there.
However, if live caterpillars still remain on the plant, we must reach for appropriate plant protection means. It is a good idea to use biological preparations or use home ways to remove boxwood moth. Let’s make sure that Spray the shrub thoroughly, also in its inner parts.
After dealing with the invasion of boxwood moth, the condition of the plant should be assessed. If some shoots are dry or damaged, they should be cut into healthy wood. Sometimes a radical cut will be necessary, but we do not have to be afraid of it, because boxwoods cope well with forming, and the cropped plant has a better chance of regenerating. Finally, we feed the boxwood which has an increased nitrogen content. In this way, we encourage the plant to release new leaves.
