How to Tackle Box Moth Caterpillars
Box moth caterpillars can be a gardener’s nightmare, causing significant damage to box hedges in a short amount of time. These pests feed on the leaves of box plants, leaving unsightly bare patches and, if left unchecked, can even kill the plant. Thankfully, there are natural and targeted ways to manage these caterpillars using box moth nematodes and box moth traps.
What Are Box Moth Caterpillars?
Box moth caterpillars are the larvae of the box tree moth, an invasive pest that has become a major threat to box plants across the UK. These caterpillars hatch from eggs laid on the undersides of leaves and feed voraciously, stripping the plant of its foliage. The presence of webbing on the plant, along with chewed leaves, is a clear sign of an infestation.
If not addressed, the damage caused by box moth caterpillars can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests.
Why Use Box Moth Nematodes?
Box moth nematodes offer a natural way to combat caterpillars by targeting them directly. These microscopic organisms actively seek out and parasitise the caterpillars, stopping them from feeding and causing further damage.
Box moth nematodes are easy to apply and safe to use around children, pets, and wildlife. They do not harm beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, or ladybirds, making them an ideal choice for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.
How to Apply Box Moth Nematodes
Applying box moth nematodes is straightforward and can be done with minimal preparation:
- Mix the nematodes with water following the instructions provided.
- Apply the mixture directly onto the leaves of the box plants where caterpillars are present. Focus on areas with visible damage and webbing.
- For severe infestations, a second application may be required after a couple of weeks.
It’s best to apply nematodes during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to ensure they remain active. Keeping the foliage damp after application can help the nematodes work more effectively.
Why Use Box Moth Traps?
Box moth traps are another excellent tool to combat these pests, particularly when used alongside nematodes. These traps use pheromones to attract and capture adult box tree moths, reducing the number of eggs laid on your plants.
By monitoring and catching adult moths, you can reduce future generations of caterpillars and help protect your box plants. Box moth traps are easy to set up and provide a simple way to manage moth populations throughout the growing season.
How to Use Box Moth Traps
- Position the trap close to your box plants, ideally at the height of the foliage.
- Check the trap weekly to monitor moth activity and replace the pheromone lures as needed.
- Use traps in conjunction with nematodes for a more comprehensive approach to managing infestations.
Benefits of Combining Nematodes and Traps
While nematodes target the caterpillars directly, traps address the adult moth population, breaking the lifecycle of the pest. Using both methods together ensures that you are tackling the problem from multiple angles, reducing the risk of recurring infestations.