URGENT! Box Moths are back...
... in North Luffenham! Was on the lookout for the little devils this morning, and yup, they're here. A lovely little silver white moth, seen flying out of the many box hedging and topiary we have here, from the small domes to huge bushes, some 16 foot high!
The RHS says... The box tree caterpillar (Cydalima perspectalis) is the larval stage of the box tree moth, an invasive species from East Asia that has become one of the most destructive pests of box (Buxus) plants in the UK. The caterpillars feed voraciously on leaves and bark, often stripping plants bare and, in severe infestations, killing them. Signs include webbing, green-black striped caterpillars, and pellets of droppings (frass). The pest is active from spring to autumn and can produce two or more generations each year, making repeated monitoring and control essential.
I've found that Topbuxus Xentari works really well, is kind to insects and animals and safe for humans. www.topbuxus.com
Photos below show all stages of this blighter and the box saved at the Hall...
Thanks for that information Shaun. We managed to save a few of our toparied box after treating them last year so will spray them again with biological spray Xen Tari which certainly worked for us last year.
I saw and photgraphed this moth on my door in North Luffenham on 24th June. I didn't realise it was responsible for the destructive caterpillars that had attacked my Spindle Tree earlier in the year. At the first signs of the webs, I now remove them with the leaves they are attacking and bin them straight away. Seems to work but you need to be vigilant.