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Tackling the Box Tree Moth invaders - Kreis Kleve Waste Management Company shares tips on combating the pesky pests.
Feast or famine in the garden… Suddenly, small green-black critters are on your green oasis, devouring your boxwood. Those pesky box tree moths are back, threatening your park and garden plants, as the Kreis Kleve Waste Management Company (KKA) reports.
Act Fast During Moth Infestation
The invasive East Asian species may gain some favor with native birds like tits or sparrows, but until natural predators bring the population under control, we humans need to step in. And the time to keep tabs on boxwoods is getting earlier – depending on current weather conditions.
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Just spotting the first moths of this year in March means action should have been taken then: Either, if possible, collect caterpillars or use a biological spray with Bacillus thuringiensis. Or dust the plants with algae chalk. If the boxwood is severely damaged, the whole plant ought to be jettisoned. Signs of an infestation include fine webs, droppings in the bushes, brown leaves, and bald spots.
Safely Disposing of Box Tree Moths
Collected box tree moths can be drowned in a container of water, then sealed in a plastic bag. The infested plant can be placed in a suitable bag. While disposing through residual waste is possible, it's not always ideal. As the moth is biodegradable, it could be disposed of in the green bin.
However, only dead and securely deceased caterpillars should be disposed of in the green bin, especially if the food-providing bush is still nearby. Otherwise, they might leave the bin and search for new food sources. For that reason, it's suggested to store them in plastic bags first before transferring them to the green bin right before collection. Moths disposed of in this way will no longer harm the garden and will still contribute to the natural cycle.
Connect with KKA
Join our WhatsApp channel via our website Emmerich.Follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ourwebsite_emmerich_kleve.For information on waste topics, visit the KKA website at www.kkagmbh.de or contact the Waste Advice Service by phone at 02825/9034-20 or via email at [email protected]. To stay informed, sign up for the newsletter at https://kkagmbh.de/newsletter or follow the KKA on Facebook and Instagram.
Proven Strategies for Box Tree Moth Contol
- Early Detection and Monitoring: Routinely inspect boxwood plants for signs of infestation and deploy pheromone traps for early warnings of moth activity.
- Mechanical and Manual Control: Remove caterpillars, webbing, pupae, mature larvae, and egg-laden leaves manually or in soapy water, alcohol, or airtight containers.
- Biological and Chemical Control: Use biological pesticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki to target feeding larvae or consider preventative chemical sprays.
- Plant Health and Quarantine: Ensure healthy shrubs, avoid transporting infested plants out of regulated areas, and notify local plant health authorities if you suspect an infestation.
- Community and Regulatory Involvement: Cooperation between garden owners and plant health authorities is essential in managing and limiting the spread of Box Tree Moths.
- To protect your home-and-garden lifestyle and beloved boxwood plants from destructive box tree moths, it's crucial to stay vigilant and conduct regular checks, especially considering the early appearances of these pests in March.
- If you notice signs of an infestation, such as fine webs, droppings, brown leaves, or bald spots, don't hesitate to act. Employ strategies like manual removal, biological sprays with Bacillus thuringiensis, or algae chalk to safeguard your garden before the damage becomes severe.
