- The boxwood moth is an invasive pest whose larvae can survive even severe frosts, destroying the boxwood from the inside.
- Overwintering larvae pose a threat to the garden, so early spring action is key.
- Effective spraying eliminates larvae and repels adults.
- Learn how to properly prepare and use this natural remedy to save your boxwood!
it is one of the worst pests in your garden. It appeared in Europe relatively recently, around 2007. It began to be noticeable in Poland after 2012. Since then, it has been wreaking real havoc in gardens and allotments. The boxwood moth, as its name suggests, most often attacks boxwood. However, it can also feed on spindle and holly. As with many pests, the most serious threat is the boxwood moth larvae. They destroy the plant from the inside, leading to its complete death. A characteristic feature of the boxwood moth are white cobwebs on the bushes.
It is worth knowing that even the strongest frosts will not completely eliminate pests. they overwinter deep in bushes, wrapped in leaves and cocoons. They can survive even several degrees of frost. If you wrongly assume that the harsh winter killed all the pests, your garden will quickly be denuded in spring. It is worth preparing now for the first spraying, which will allow you to quickly get rid of the boxwood larva from the bushes in early spring.
Spring spraying for boxwood moth. It will kill the larvae after winter
Hard frost can help eliminate . However, it will never remove the entire population. Nature is clever, and the boxwood moth larvae can survive even the hardest frosts. Individuals that survive the winter are more voracious in spring and come out to feed faster. This means you need to act quickly after a cold winter. As soon as the temperature rises above zero degrees, it is worth starting the first spraying. Thanks to this, the bushes weakened after winter will be able to defend themselves and will not be completely destroyed. At the end of winter or early spring, perform a natural spray with vinegar and oil. It has a lethal effect on both adults and larvae. Just mix 1 liter of water, 7 tablespoons of white vinegar and 6 tablespoons of rapeseed oil in a large bucket. Pour everything into a spray bottle and spray the boxwood thoroughly. Perform the treatment on a sunny, rainless day when the temperature exceeds 5 degrees Celsius. The oil makes it harder for the larvae to grip and fall to the ground, making it easier to get rid of them. Additionally, it clogs their digestive tracts, so they cannot extract juices from plants. Vinegar acts as a strong repellent, discouraging adults from feeding and laying eggs. Spraying with oil and vinegar may be repeated in April.
