The main problem with box caterpillars in the UK is that they have no natural predators here. So, the only option is to use biological or chemical solutions to control and eradicate a population invading your garden. How to get rid of box caterpillars naturally Large funnel, the largest you can find. Larger is better and the beer-brewing industry seems to have a monopoly on large funnels. You'll want to cut the spout away anyway so that part of it matters little, but some sort of lip at the top is useful so that the funnel sits nicely on the polycarbonate and doesn't let moths escape. Colour doesn't matter, but I wouldn't use metal as it conducts heat too easily. Invest in an ID guide to help you identify the moths you attract. Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland is a great place to start, while Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland is chunkier. Moth traps are very easy to use. You set them up 1hr before dusk or so, and use a timer to keep the light on until 30 minutes after dawn.

As part of our research, the RHS would like to know where box tree moth has been seen. Please submit your records via our box tree moth survey (expected time to complete survey = two minutes). Wait a couple of days for the insecticide to work its magic. During this time, the box caterpillars will eat the protein crystals Xentari contains. These crystals damage the caterpillar’s gut cells, eventually causing blood poisoning and death within 1 – 3 days. to calm moths down, transfer them into specimen tubes and store them in the fridge or use anaesthetic throat spray However, it’s essential to be aware that chemical treatments can affect other beneficial species, such as bees — so, use these as a last resort. Be aware that products such as Xentariare not registered for use in the UK and we cannot advise on their use.Natural regulation or predation [ edit ] Vespa velutina ( Asian predatory wasp) in active search of Cydalima perspectalis larvae on an infested box-tree bush.

The electrics can seem complicated and as always, take advice from an electrician or buy a premade kit if this is not your area of expertise. In a nutshell though, MV bulb come in two variants, one which needs a choke and another that doesn't (ie blended MV). I have both, and it is more convenient to use one that does not require a choke, but both are perfectly doable. A choke is simply a cup-sized electrics unit that is added into the circuit that is required for to start up certain types of bulb gradually, you should ensure that you have good diagrams etc explaining the circuit required for the choke and bulb. You need the right choke for the right bulb, buy one that is rated for the wattage of your bulb. Find a source for old fashioned cardboard egg boxes, and pyramid these on top of each other inside the trap so that when moths come into the trap, they have a surface to rest on In the area of origin (Asia) natural regulation occurs, as witnessed by the non-destructive behavior of C. perspectalis. In the area of Europe where the moth has been introduced, the damage is very serious because natural regulation does not occur at a significant level. However, in European areas where the Asian hornet ( Vespa velutina) is present prior to the introduction of C. perspectalis, some degree of predation by the wasp is observed (not confirmed by scientific and clear results). This is namely in the south-west of France, the first place where V. velutina was introduced to Europe in 2004 ( C. perspectalis invaded this area in 2012). V. velutina is able to capture small larvae, and larvae preparing for the nymphosis in their cocoon. Where V. velutina has been introduced this causes other problems as it preys on honey bees and European honey bees are more vulnerable than their Asian counterparts. Box tree caterpillar eggs are laid on the underside of box leaves and are yellow and flattish. Caterpillars The box caterpillar moth is a pollinator and is most active during the summer months. During this time, female moths lay eggs on their host trees, starting the cycle anew. Identifying the signs of box caterpillar infestation The damage of a box caterpillar MothPrevention® speak to customers every day about their clothes moth issues - clothes moths are a species that are ever increasing and that can cause significant damage to clothes, carpets and other home textiles.

Other Methods

If you’ve decided that you don’t want to grow box anymore but are still looking for a shrub with neat, evergreen foliage that responds well to pruning, try these plants instead: Yew (Taxus baccata) If you identified an infestation early on or if the population is small enough, we recommend reading this article on effective household remedies. It describes various interesting effective methods – such as using a strong jet of water from a garden hose – and less effective approaches – such as baking powder or algae lime. If you have small Box bushes, the larvae can simply be removed by hand. However, this is unlikely to be effective on large, older topiary or bushes. Highly attractive pheromone lures have been designed to specifically attract male Box Tree Moths into traps. The pheromone attracts the male moths to the lure, which then drop down into a funnel trap filled with water. By catching male moths, mating and egg-laying can be reduced, and populations monitored for additional control measures.

Box caterpillar insecticides are available online but follow the instructions closely to avoid damaging neighbour plants and wildlife. How to deal with box blight The pesticides listed are legally available in the UK. This information is provided to avoid misuse of legal products and the use of unauthorised and untested products, which potentially has more serious consequences for the environment and wildlife than when products are used legally.

Moths can also be lured using pheromones, or more traditional means such as wine ropes and sugaring. Sugaring is remarkably effective for 'old lady' moths - I once had a patch covered with these in the garden from a sugaring experiment. Never seen them in a MV trap, ever! Moth Trap Bulbs With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that seeing a box caterpillar infestation can cause even an experienced gardener some stress, especially if their boxwood is in plain sight for all to see! The larvae feed on the leaves and shoots of Buxus species. [14] Young larvae often eat only the upper part of the leaf, leaving the tougher veins and the waxy lower epithelium as if the leaves had been peeled. These peeled leaves eventually die. Old larvae are the most damaging: they massively and completely eat the leaves, sometimes leaving a thin part at the contour and centre of the leaf. Green ball-shaped frass can usually be seen on host plants. until they’re ready to transition to the pupal stage. At this stage, they attach to a stem and spin a silken cocoon, remaining wrapped in silk for up to three weeks. After hatching, the box caterpillar larvae feed on the leaves of their host trees for several weeks, growing larger