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How to stop box tree moth caterpillar

Stop Box tree moth caterpillar
and other pests in 2020. How to treat box tree moth, stop box moth caterpillar, stop lilly beetle. treatment for box tree moth. 

In 2018 much of the UK had its first experience of Box Tree Moth Caterpillar. Though it has been around since 2011 or so, this pest has increasing  made its presence felt recently. Many have seen it after the horse had bolted. With their – in some cases very expensive – box installations reduced to just a bunch of sticks. In addition, the recent summer heat and lack of moisture contributes to slow recovery, with many plants overwintering without foliage. But you can stop box tree moth.

Effective solutions

From the ground up has tried various solutions over the last two years. Consequently we have tried and trusted plans to address this invasion for our clients, and stop box tree moth caterpillar.  Depending on the volume of buxus present  we have  effective methods to try to prevent infestation.  A combination of pheromone traps and direct spraying prevents and cures. Because the traps contain a lure that attracts the male, they are caught preventing any eggs laid by the female being fertilised. However, in 2020 the trap makers suggest that the trap is used purely as an indicator of moth presence. As if half your buxus missing were not clue enough.

Box tree moth caterpillars can defoliate your plants in a matter of days
Box tree moth caterpillar can defoliate your plants in a matter of days. 

Chemical spray or more expensive nematode or biological insecticide solutions are available to treat caterpillars directly.  Spray treatment needs to be thorough and get right inside the plant, past the protective web left by the caterpillars. Using a pump spray with a lance gets it right into the plant, ensuring that all the foliage is covered.  That’s why using a hand spray is not effective. To kill off any infestation first, repeated treatment every 7-10 days to start,  and then approximately every 4-6 weeks between March and October. The spray is absorbed into the plant, and kills the caterpillars as they eat the leaves.

Box tree moth – practicalities

Furthermore, timing of spray application is important. We spray early in the morning, helping to minimise any other insects being affected.

Bacillus thuringiensis var Kurstak is a product that controls box moth. This is a natural bacterium (not a chemical insecticide) that organic farmers use to stop crop destruction by butterflies.

I personally use Provanto, which you can get from Amazon. 

To stop box tree moth caterpillar use these watchwords. Awareness. Vigilance. Prevention. Treatment. Perseverance.

The final consideration is recovery. Box plants can recover from defoliation through infestation or drought. Many box plants bear the scars of the moth onslaught after the growing season, filling out in the spring.

I am a gardener working in SL8,, and have recorded my experience so that it may help others. I am not available to answer calls.