- The boxwood moth, an Asian pest, attacks not only boxwood, but also spindle and holly, leaving characteristic spiderweb-like coatings.
- Early spring is the perfect time to spray – try a home-made solution of vinegar, water and rapeseed oil to effectively combat the caterpillars.
- When natural methods are not enough, reach for preparations containing the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium – it is a proven weapon against pests.
- Are you wondering how to prepare and apply these sprays step by step to save your boxwood? Click and find out the details!
I mix it with water and spray it on the boxwood. Natural spray for boxwood moth
The first individuals of the boxwood moth appear on the bushes already. The first weeks of spring are a good time to spray against these pests. Many people think that the boxwood moth only attacks boxwood. It is true that these insects like boxwood bushes, but they can also occur on spindle and holly. Boxwood moths are small caterpillars that over time turn into insects. A characteristic feature of the boxwood moth is its white, woolly coating that resembles a spider’s web. The boxwood moth is a species of pest that came to Europe from Asia, most likely during transport. A natural way to combat the boxwood moth is to spray with vinegar. Mix classic spirit vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:10, you can also add a few tablespoons of rapeseed oil. Generously prepare the mixture prepared in this way. After about 30 minutes, rinse the bush thoroughly with a strong stream of clean water.
My ultimate weapon against the boxwood moth. Afterwards, the pests drop dead
The most effective commercial preparations for the boxwood moth include those containing the Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. It is the strongest natural enemy. This bacterium inhabits the digestive tracts of pests by attaching to receptor proteins on the surface of insect intestinal cells. Proteins that are toxic to caterpillars are produced there. Pests attacked in this way die within a maximum of 3 days. Bacillus thuringiensis is safe for humans and animals. When choosing a commercial aphid spray, make sure it contains the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium.
How to protect box trees against the box tree moth?
At least once a week, thoroughly inspect your box trees, looking deep inside them. Look for green caterpillars, white spider webs, damaged leaves and distinctive green pellet-like droppings. The earlier you detect the pest, the easier it will be to combat it. If you notice individual caterpillars, you can simply collect them by hand. Be sure to crush them or put them in a container of boiling water to make sure they don’t come back. Hang pheromone traps near box trees in early spring (March/April). These traps attract male boxwood moths, which allows you to monitor the presence of the pest and, to some extent, limit its population. Replace pheromone cartridges every 4-6 weeks.
Remember to avoid spraying box trees in full sun – this may cause leaf burns and reduce the effectiveness of the preparation. Another common mistake is the irregularity of inspections and spraying; the boxwood moth has several generations per year, so one action is usually not enough. Also, do not forget to thoroughly cover the entire plant, especially its interior, where the caterpillars most often feed.
