Box tree moth threat: Urgent measures to protect your garden
Boxwood is the ornament of many gardens – elegant, evergreen, and easy to shape. Unfortunately, for several years, its biggest enemy has been the box tree moth. This inconspicuous moth can completely destroy even mature, multi-year plants in a short time. How can you recognise and effectively combat it?
Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is an invasive species of moth originating from Asia. Over recent years, it has spread almost throughout all of Europe.
The main culprits are the moth larvae. They have a light green colouration with dark stripes and can reach a length of up to 40 millimetres. They feed intensively on the leaves and young shoots of boxwood, which significantly weakens the plant, and in extreme cases, can lead to its total death. Infested shrubs quickly lose their leaves, begin to dry out, and noticeably lose their appearance.
Signs of box tree moth feeding
The first disturbing symptom that may indicate the presence of the box tree moth is fine webs and black lumps of faeces on the plant's leaves. Over time, larger damage appears. The leaves turn yellow, become shredded, and then entire sections of the bush begin to die.
It is worth regularly inspecting the inside of the plants, as the larvae often start feeding from the centre of the bush. Hidden deep in the thicket of branches, they remain invisible in the early stages of the attack, making it difficult for a quick reaction.
Dr Engineer Mateusz Sowelo, curator of the collection at the Botanical Garden of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, emphasised in an interview with tvnmeteo.pl that the appearance of this insect on boxwood can result in the complete destruction of the plant even within a few days.
The box tree moth mercilessly eats boxwoods. If we see many of them on our boxwood on Thursday or Friday, by Monday, there will already be what's called defoliation – only the branches will remain, and all the leaves will be eaten – he emphasised.
Effective methods for combating the box tree moth
The most crucial element in the fight against the box tree moth is to take action quickly as soon as the first signs of its presence are noticed. One of the most recommended methods is using biological preparations containing "Bacillus thuringiensis" bacteria. These agents are safe for both humans and animals and at the same time very effective in eliminating insects.
Sprays should be repeated at regular intervals, especially in spring and summer. During these seasons, the moth goes through various developmental stages. In cases of severe infestation, it is also advisable to mechanically remove larvae from the plants and prune infested shoots.
Take care of plants before a problem arises
The box tree moth thrives best in dense, moist, and poorly ventilated shrubs, so prevention is critical. It is worth pruning boxwood to maintain airflow. This reduces the attractiveness of the shrub for the female moth looking for a place to lay eggs.
Regularly removing dry leaves and organic debris from under the plants also decreases the risk of pest development. Applying pheromone traps is also a good solution. These can help monitor the presence of adult moths and react before larvae appear.
