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The box tree moth, which is considered a pest in this country, hides behind the botanical name Cydalima perspectalis. Box trees in particular suffer from it, because the caterpillar species can completely destroy these trees.
box tree moth
What is the box tree moth?
The box tree moth is a moth that gives off its offspring in the form of eggs on the leaves of the box tree. Then they hatch out of this caterpillars, which lead to damage to the boxwood. First the leaves are eaten off and finally the caterpillars do not stop at the bark anymore. The plant gradually dies, there is only a rescue in rare cases.
appearance
What does the pest look like?
The color of moths is white-black, with the primary color being white. The wings have brown edges and are also white in color. With a wingspan of up to 45 mm. the box tree moth is clearly visible to the naked eye.
The most important information about the box tree moth at a glance:
- white color with black pattern
- Lifetime about 9 days
- Activity from spring to late summer
- Caterpillar is green with black dots
- Hibernation takes place in cocoons
Box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis
habitat
How does the box tree moth live?
the butterfly sit on the underside of the leaf of the boxwood. After mating, the females seek out box trees to lay their eggs. the eggs are pale yellow in shape and look like lentils. As soon as the temperature is warmer than seven degrees, they hatch caterpillars after about three days. The warmer it is, the faster the caterpillars have passed through the larval stage. At an average outside temperature of 20 degrees, the larvae have become caterpillars after three weeks.
From the caterpillar to the moth
The finished caterpillars pupate and become moths. Then the cycle starts again. Up to three generations of box tree moths can be born during the active period. Everyone butterfly is capable of between 100 and 150 eggs to lay. Due to the rapid multiplication, it has become so difficult to fight the pest. In addition, it is poisonous and therefore has no natural predators.
Box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis as moth
Recognize
How can the pest be identified?
The early stage of the infestation is not easy to recognize. The first damage can be found in the lower area of the boxwood and is hardly noticeable. Only later does the damage spread to the interior of the plant. Since box trees are densely branched, the infestation can hardly be recognized even at this stage. Only when the outer parts of the plant are damaged do you have a chance to spot the pest. But by then countless leaves have already been eaten away and the bark is usually already damaged.
obligation to report
Is the box tree moth notifiable?
If you have identified an infestation in your boxwood stock, there is no obligation to report. Although the pest is poisonous, it is not life-threatening. There are now even birds that feast on the caterpillars and thus help to free affected box trees from infestation. Pests of this type must always be reported if they pose a great danger to humans and animals. However, this is not the case with the box tree moth.
Box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis
origin
Where does the box tree moth come from?
The pest originally comes from East Asia and was first registered in Germany in 2006. In the years that followed, the caterpillar also appeared in Holland, France, Austria, Switzerland and England. The larvae of the pest were probably brought to Germany by ship. Due to the plant trade, rapid spread was no longer a problem.
combat
Fight the pest
Even if it is not notifiable, hobby gardeners naturally want to combat the box tree pest as quickly as possible. However, this is not so easy, since the infestation is often recognized much too late. Even if it is not highly toxic, the boxwood pest causes a lot of damage, it is capable of destroying plants completely.
The most important tips for combating at a glance:
- the earlier the infestation is detected, the more effective the control
- infestation can be avoided with plant protection nets
- Pheromone traps are suitable as an early detection method
- Bacillus thuringiensis and azadirachtin are suitable as biological controls
- Buxus microhylla and Buxus sempervirens are affected
- if infested, pruning is essential
- Dead plants belong in the residual waste
Prevent
Prevention better than control
In order to make it more difficult for the annoying pest to infest the boxwood in advance, crop protection nets proven useful. This means that the moths have no chance to lay their eggs and the tree remains protected. It is necessary to set up the nets in good time, as the box tree moth becomes active at an outside temperature of seven degrees.
Box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis
Recognized early, danger averted
Although not so toxic that it needs to be reported, the box tree moth should be eliminated as soon as possible.
Therefore the motto applies: The earlier recognized, the faster banned!
Regular checking of the box trees is essential. Pheromone traps have proven to be helpful to test whether there is an infestation in the immediate vicinity. The males, who stick to the trap, are attracted with special scents.
Correct use of pheromone traps:
- Time: late April
- after 10 days no moths in the trap = no pest
- after 10 days butterflies in the trap = pest infestation in the area
Combating mild infestations
If there is a mild infestation with the box tree pest, it is often enough for the tree to have one high pressure cleaner spray or collect the caterpillars. Since the animals are minimally poisonous, you should wear gloves when collecting them. The high-pressure cleaner rinses the animals off the branches and makes collecting them much easier. However, sometimes it makes more sense insecticides used to really detect all malware.
Boxwood in the garden area
The use of insecticides
Insecticides are not a preventive measure, but a treatment method. If there is a mere suspicion, it should not be treated with it. Even if the pest does not have to be reported, it can't hurt, if in doubt professional to consult. If the box tree is not infested, the application of insecticides is not permitted.
Important: Successful treatment is only possible if the insecticides are sprayed deep into the plant.