- The boxwood moth, an invasive species from Asia, has been a serious threat to box trees in Poland since 2012.
- Boxwood moth larvae feed intensively from May to October, and the characteristic spider webs and adult butterflies are signals of invasion.
- Effective control includes spraying with preparations containing the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium or a home-made mixture of baking soda and dish soap.
- Find out how to get rid of this pest quickly and effectively to save your box trees!
Our grandparents probably had no idea what it was. It appeared in Europe around 2007, and the first individuals in Poland were noticed in 2012. It most likely came to us in transport from Asia. Since then, the boxwood moth has become a real nuisance to all allotment gardeners and gardeners. It is a typical invasive species and causes real destruction. The boxwood moth most often attacks boxwood, but it can also feed on spindle and holly. As with many other pests, the greatest threat comes from the larvae found among the shoots and leaves of the plant. They destroy the entire plant system, causing them to die. The feeding behavior of boxwood moth caterpillars is very characteristic. Initially, the caterpillars eat only the top layer of leaves, creating the so-called “windows”. As they grow, they begin to eat entire leaves and even the bark of young shoots.
. A characteristic feature that the bush has been attacked by boxwood moths are white threads resembling spiderwebs that cover the plants. In some cases, you may also notice adult butterflies flying around the box tree.
Boxwood moth adults have white wings with a brown border. The caterpillars are all green with black stripes and a head.
When does the boxwood moth feed?
The butterflies fly from April/May to October, laying eggs on the underside of boxwood leaves. The eggs hatch into caterpillars, which are the main pests. The most intense feeding of caterpillars takes place from May to October, with breaks between subsequent generations. Regular monitoring of box trees is key, especially from early spring. Already in April, it is worth checking the bushes carefully, looking inside them, where young caterpillars often hide. Quick intervention at the first symptoms of feeding is crucial to saving the plant.
This is the most effective spray against boxwood moth. Kills larvae in 3 days!
The most effective ones include those containing Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. It is the strongest natural enemy of many pests. 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.
Home spray for boxwood moth. The pests will drop dead
The only effective way to combat boxwood moth is spraying. If you don’t want to use chemical preparations, start with home remedies. Gardeners most often recommend dishwashing liquid and baking soda for boxwood moths. The active ingredients from these products enter the digestive system of pests and cause their death. To prepare a spray with baking soda and dishwashing liquid, simply mix these ingredients with water. For 5 liters of water, prepare half a glass of dishwashing liquid and 3 packages of baking soda. Mix everything thoroughly and pour into a spray bottle. Spray early in the morning. After a few hours, boxwood moth individuals will begin to fall dead from the plants. Collect them and destroy them. Repeat spraying regularly every few weeks.
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