What is the boxwood moth and where did it come from?
It came to Poland around 2012. Experts indicate that this species came to Europe from Asia, most likely during import. The boxwood moth has spread rapidly and is now one of the most serious invasive species in European gardens. In Asia, it is a natural species and its population is controlled by natural enemies such as Asian hornets. In Asia, pheromone traps are also used against the box moth, which interfere with reproduction and chemical control.
The boxwood moth is a species of butterflies that feed on plants. Adults have a relatively short lifespan and do not cause much damage. The real havoc is wreaked by the larvae. In just one season, female box moths can give birth to up to 4 generations of young individuals. They destroy plants because they feed on young shoots and leaves. A characteristic feature indicating that the plants have been attacked by the boxwood moth are white threads resembling a cotton spider’s web that appear between the branches.
Mix 4 tablespoons of this powder with water and spray it on the boxwood. The boxwood moth will drop dead
There are many natural ways to get rid of boxwood moths. If you notice that these pests have attacked your plants, it is worth using baking powder. Dissolve about 4 teaspoons of baking powder in 1 liter of water. The plants should be sprayed generously with the solution prepared in this way. Sprinkling flour on the bushes may work similarly. The boxwood moth larvae die from lack of oxygen and fall to the ground. , preferably every two weeks. If there are very many pests, it may be necessary to use commercial sprays. Gardeners, both European and Asian, most often recommend preparations containing Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. It enters the digestive tract of the caterpillars and produces crystalline proteins. The larvae die within 3 days. Bacillus thuringiensis spraying is very effective, but only three such treatments can be carried out per season. When removing boxwood moth from plants, it is best to combine home methods with professional ones.
How to recognize a boxwood moth? Pest development cycle
The key to effective fight against a pest is its early recognition at every stage of development. Female boxwood moths lay small, light yellow eggs with a diameter of about 1 mm, most often in groups of a dozen or so on the underside of leaves, deep in the bush. The eggs hatch into caterpillars, which are the most voracious and destructive stage. Initially, they are light green, over time they darken, and characteristic brown and black stripes appear on their bodies. Adult caterpillars reach up to 4 cm in length.
When the caterpillar is full, it enters the pupa stage, which is initially green, but over time it turns brown and reaches up to 2 cm in length. The pupa hatches into an adult butterfly with a wingspan of about 4 cm. The most common form has white, opalescent wings with a brown border. A brown variety with a purple sheen is less common. Adult moths do not feed on boxwood, but are active at night and are responsible for laying eggs, starting the cycle again.
When to spray boxwood? First and last spraying of the season
The fight against the boxwood moth should be carried out systematically throughout the entire growing season, i.e. from April to October. The first spraying is best done in early spring, at the beginning of April. It is then that the first caterpillars emerge from their wintering cocoons and begin feeding. Early intervention allows you to destroy the first generation of pests before they can cause serious damage and multiply.
The last spraying of the season should be carried out in autumn, at the turn of September and October. The aim of this treatment is to eliminate the last generation of larvae that are preparing for wintering. This will significantly reduce the number of pests that will attack your bushes next year. Remember to spray on a rainless and windless day, preferably in the evening, which will increase its effectiveness.
How to save a box tree after a moth attack? Regeneration of damaged bushes
Even a bush heavily damaged by the boxwood moth has a chance of rebirth, provided that appropriate actions are taken. The first and absolutely crucial step is to completely rid the plant of pests using one of the methods described. Then, carefully inspect the bush and prune all dried, damaged and leafless shoots. Such cutting will stimulate the plant to grow new, healthy branches.
After removing the pests and pruning the bush, the plant needs support to regenerate. Make sure to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought. Appropriate fertilization is also crucial, as it will provide the boxwood with the necessary nutrients to rebuild. With patient care, even severely damaged boxwood can regain its former appearance and health.
