Combating box tree moth with nematodes

Box tree moths: What are they and how do you combat them effectively?

The box tree moth is an exotic moth that can cause serious damage to boxwood plants. The caterpillars of the box tree moth eat a plant bare in a short time. An effective and environmentally friendly solution is the use ofnematodes(nematodes). These microscopic worms, such asSteinernema carpocapsae, penetrate the caterpillar and kill it. This is how you combat the box tree moth without chemicals, safe for humans, animals and the environment.

Characteristics of the box tree moth:

• Butterfly: The adult moth has a wingspan of about 4 cm. It is usually white with a brown edge, although completely brown specimens also exist.
• Caterpillar: The box tree moth caterpillar is bright green with dark stripes and spots, and can grow up to 4 cm long. They have a black head and a distinct pattern of black spots along their body.
• Life cycle: The box tree moth lays its eggs on the underside of box leaves. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and immediately begin to eat the plant. A box tree moth can produce several generations per year, especially in warm summers, which further aggravates the plague.

How do you recognize damage caused by box tree moths?

Box tree moths cause considerable damage to box trees by feeding on the leaves. These are the most common forms of damage:

• Feeding on leaves: The caterpillars eat the leaves of the box plant. This often starts on the inside of the shrub, so the damage is not always immediately visible at first.
• Bare bushes: In case of heavy infestation, a boxwood shrub can be completely eaten bare, which leads to a dry and dried-out appearance. Eventually, the shrubs can die if the damage is too severe.
• Cobwebs and excrement: The caterpillars leave characteristic webs and small, black droppings among the branches of the plant, providing further evidence of their presence.

Early recognition of this damage helps to intervene in time and prevent further spread of the pest.

Indirect damage and additional risks

In addition to the visible feeding damage, an affected boxwood can also become more susceptible to diseases and fungi. Furthermore, the boxwood moth reproduces quickly, which means that the plague can quickly become unmanageable without timely control.

Choose a natural approach to combat the box tree moth

Nematodes provide anatural controlof the box tree moth. They kill the caterpillars without using harmful chemicals. Nematodes are also safe for other beneficial insects and do not disrupt the ecosystem. This makes them a sustainable choice for the garden.

• Environmentally friendly:Nematodes specifically target the larvae of box tree moths without harming other beneficial organisms in the garden.
• Effective and sustainable:Under the right conditions, nematodes can reduce up to 95% of the box tree moth population.
• Safe for humans and animals:This method is completely safe for pets, children and other animals in the garden.

When to use nematodes against box tree moths?

The best time to apply nematodes is in early spring, when the first generation of caterpillars becomes active. Application is best done at a soil temperature above 12°C. Keep the plants moist after treatment, so that the nematodes can work optimally. Repeat the treatment if necessary to tackle later generations of caterpillars.