The box tree moth eats from the poisonous box tree. We explain whether caterpillars or moths are poisonous and whether they are safe to touch.
Many regions of Germany are affected by the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). When checking and fighting, we then come uncomfortably close to him. The bright green coloring and fine hair of the caterpillars therefore raise the question of whether the animals might not be poisonous. Fortunately we can reassure you. Because as annoying as it is, the borer can't hurt us much.
Can we now touch them with our hands and can't birds perhaps devour the pests for us? The following paragraphs explain the toxicity of the box tree moth completely.
Is the box tree moth poisonous?
First we have to answer this question with yes. Because the larvae of the box tree moth feed on the leaves of the box tree (Buxus), which contains around 70 different, mostly toxic alkaloids in the leaves and bark. Young larvae even prefer older foliage, which contains alkaloids in particularly high concentrations. Some of these substances are metabolized by the caterpillars of the moth, others are stored in the body as an effective protection against feeding. In this way, the offspring of the box tree moth becomes inedible or even poisonous for many possible enemies. The toxins contained in boxwood are actually poisonous for us humans too. The good news is: Touching Buxus and box tree moths is still harmless according to current knowledge, because the alkaloids involved are not absorbed through the skin. However, it is better not to eat the caterpillars. And you can also touch the butterflies without worry.
Tip: Allergic skin infections after contact with boxwood are possible, albeit very rare. Always keep a close eye on children when handling boxwood and boxwood moth caterpillars.
Is the box tree moth poisonous to birds?
Although the caterpillars of the box tree moth should be poisonous to birds, reportsvarious places that tits, redstarts, sparrows, starlings and even wasps are beginning to get a taste for the fat larvae. However, it remains to be seen whether they are actually suitable as natural opponents, because it has been observed several times that birds regurgitate and spurn their prey after a while. The adult moths of the box tree moth, on the other hand, are readily eaten by birds.
Tip: If you want to benefit from the birds' interest in the box tree moth, you can promote the winged beneficial insects in the garden. You can find more about these and other biological control methods for the moth in our special article.
Can you touch the box tree moth with your hands?
The moths of the box tree moth are safe to touch. This also applies with restrictions to the caterpillars, because allergic skin reactions could only occur in extremely rare cases. What would not bother an adult could possibly affect children more unpleasantly, which is why you should not let them play with the caterpillars for long and intensively. However, brief touches are not usually a problem. If you are concerned and want to be on the safe side, you can wear gloves when collecting or examining the caterpillars and wash your hands after touching them.
Collect the box tree moth with your hands
Collecting the caterpillars of the box tree moth can be a first step in combating the infestation. If, for example, only a few borer eggs have been laid in the outer areas, the hatched larvae can be removed with the hands before they make their way into the dense interior of the shrub. If you find well-developed caterpillars five centimeters long on the outside of the bush, you can assume that the infestation is already so severe that collecting it no longer has any effect. Now you should resort to other means to combat the box tree moth. Here you will find all the information you need to fight the borer.
Tip: It is even easier to cut the boxwood than to collect it in order to remove both eggs and larvae. The clippings are packed in sealed bags and disposed of with the residual waste. A cut no later than two weeks after observing the flight of the moth - discovered, for example, with a pheromone trap - is the first step towards a moth-free boxwood. If you are looking for a pheromone trap, our shop has theBuy Plantura Borer Trap.