- Combat box tree moths biologically with XenTari®
- Fight box tree moths with neem products
- Fight box tree moths with home remedies
- Fight box tree moths with beneficial insects
- Why not fight the borer with poison?
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Fighting the moth without poison: Here you can find out which effective, natural options are available to you in the fight against the caterpillar.
Just because your box trees (Buxus) are infested by the voracious box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) doesn't mean you have to learn all the principles throw board. Fighting is also possible without poison and chemicals - if you know how. We've got everything you need to know about fighting naturally.
Below we will go into control methods such as our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari® with Bacillus thuringiensis, as well as control with neem products, household remedies and beneficial insects. At the end of the article we have summarized again why control with classic insecticides is not recommended.
Combat box tree moths biologically with XenTari®
The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is found in soil and plants. It has the peculiarity of producing so-called “Bt toxins”. When these bacteria are eaten by insects, the crystalline proteins of the toxin are activated in their gut. In this way, they can pass through the intestinal wall and enter the hemolymph - the "blood" of the insects. The poisoned insects die within a few days. Before that, further damage is prevented by an immediate feeding stop. The specificity of different strains of bacteria is particularly special: many produce Bt toxins that only damage individual species. In this way, only the desired species of beetles, butterflies, hymenoptera and dipterans or nematodes can be combated in a very targeted manner. The toxins have no effect on humans, other vertebrates and plants and the substance is also completely biodegradable.
Our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari® contains the strain "Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies aizawai, strain ABTS-1857”. This produces a Bt toxin that only affects caterpillars. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about the butterfly species that are native to us. through food specializationbutterfly caterpillars will not be hit by our agent - it is almost impossible for them to nibble on the poisonous boxwood. Likewise, our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari® is not dangerous to bees, is kind to beneficial insects and completely biodegradable.
XenTari®: Instructions for ideal application
If you have decided on our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari®, you should note the following when applying:
- Early and therefore promising treatment is possible through regular check-ups between March and September. In the event of heavy infestation or rainfall, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment.
- As soon as caterpillars or caterpillar damage are observed, affected plants should be completely wetted with the stirred Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari®. The interior of the shrub must not be left out.
- The application should be carried out at outside temperatures of at least 15 °C.
- One sachet with 2 grams of XenTari® is sufficient to treat 33 m² with a bush height of 50 cm. Information on taller shrubs can be found on the enclosed leaflet.
- It is best to apply our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari® with a spray bottle in order to waste as little of the active ingredient as possible.
- Apply our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari® if possible when there is no wind and avoid drifting to other plants.
- Our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari® is harmless to humans, but please note the information on the package leaflet in the event of inhalation, skin contact, swallowing or eye contact.
Fight box tree moths with neem products
Pesticides, which are obtained from the seed oil of the tropical neem tree, are permitted in organic farming and can be used against the box tree moth. The insecticidal active ingredient used is called azadirachtin. Highly dosed and heavily processed agents are also considered "organic". With a little research, however, it is easy to find out that these processed neem products come quite close to a classic pesticide. Not only must the same strict safety regulations be observed. These agents are also rated as harmful to predatory mites, various wasps, ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies and of course fish and their food animals.
Fight Box Tree Moths With Neem Products Summary:
- Neem products are considered “organic”
- However, many professional neem products are hardly less harmful to non-target organisms (such as other bees or other beneficial insects) than classic pesticides
- Low-dose, simple blends of neem oil can be effective without as much risk
Fight box tree moths with home remedies
There are rumors about various home remedies against the borer. Some tricks work quite well, while others would waste your time. Simply collecting the caterpillars of the box tree moth, for example, can be considered effective in the case of light and medium infestations, even if it is a bit time-consuming. By using the hedge trimmer at the right time, a large proportion of the moth eggs and young larvae can be thrown off course in one fell swoop. For both approaches, regular monitoring - sometimes with pheromone traps - is very important. If the caterpillars are free outdoors, a mixture of oil, vinegar and water can be quite effective against them. Even easier than the household remedies mentioned above is the use of a high-pressure cleaner or a nozzle for the garden hose: If you use it to work vigorously on the boxwood from the inside and outside, you will be able to achieve noticeable success even with a heavy infestation.
Tip: If you are still looking for a pheromone trap, then take a look at our Plantura shop. There you can buy the Plantura moth trap, which attracts the male moths with the help of attractants and is therefore used for early detection of a moth infestation.
Nets are used prophylactically to prevent the moth from laying eggs on its own bush. If this chance has passed, the pests can still be grilled with a dark garbage bag on a sunny day. You can find all the important information about fighting the borer with home remedies in our associated special article. However, if the infestation pressure is high and the bush is severely damaged, we recommend choosing an effective biological agent to save your box trees.
Summary of combating box tree moths with home remedies:
- Not every home remedy that is described as effective has an effect on the box tree moth
- However, many simple methods can be very effective
- Collection, cutting, hosing, and use of nets and dark-colored bin liners may be sufficient to prevent or minimize infestation
- A heavy infestation should be treated with an effective biological agent to protect your plants
Tip - Is the box tree moth poisonous: The caterpillars of the box tree moth are poisonous to (almost) anyone who puts them in their mouth. This is solely due to the fact that they consume the boxwood, which is also poisonous to us, and even store some of its toxins. You can read more about the toxicity of the borer here. If you have gotten over yourself and touched and collected the little caterpillar, you can find out here how to dispose of the box tree moth.
Fight box tree moths with beneficial insects
An old acquaintance from biological crop protection can take care of the voracious caterpillars. Nematodes of the species Steinernema carpocapsae can even parasitize and thus eliminate the webworm caterpillars eating in webs using a special application method including adhesive and swelling agents. Learn more about using nematodes as beneficial insects in this article.
In addition, it looks like the local fauna is getting used to the new roommate. Wasps and some garden birds - tits, sparrows, redstarts and starlings - have already been observed feeding on the caterpillars and moths.
It is possible that the feathered helpers will adapt to the poisonousness of the borer and that a natural antagonist will finally appear. The promotion of these potential helpers represents the most future-oriented measure to combat borers.
Summary Fight box tree moths with beneficial insects:
- Nematodes of the species Steinernema carpocapsae can parasitize borer caterpillars; However, this is only possible in combination with a specially developed process
- Promoting native wasps and birds can help to get the borer problem under control in the long term; in case of an acute infestation, biological sprays are definitely preferable
Why not fight the borer with poison?
Chemical, conventional pesticides appear to many of those affected by harmful insects in the garden as the only fast and effective weapon - also against the box tree moth. undoubtedly isthe application is often quick and the effect satisfactory. However, it also has a number of disadvantages, which is why we recommend using biological agents such as our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari®.
Aside from the hassle that chemical agents cause you to apply and dispose of, they can be harmful to a variety of non-target organisms. This means those organisms that the user actually does not want to fight at all. Beneficial ground beetles, ladybirds, lacewings, predatory mites and braconid wasps as well as various pollinating insects such as bees are more or less susceptible to these agents. Consumers often only pay attention to the information about the danger to bees. However, various means protect bees, but damage other groups of insects. With their activity, these are not only part of the ecosystem, but also act as important opponents for pests in our gardens. In addition, these toxins must never get into water, either directly or via sewers, drains or channels. Because they are harmful to the smallest aquatic organisms, which are the important basis of food chains. In any case, all points together are important enough to dare to try to fight without chemicals and to rely on biological alternatives that are just as effective.
Summary: why fight the borer without chemicals?
- The application of chemical pesticides works quickly and is effective
- Disadvantages are the high effort and the damage that can occur to the environment or users
- Damage to beneficial insects leads to greater problems with yet other pests previously controlled by those beneficial insects
- Alternatives are biological sprays that are in no way inferior to conventional products in terms of effectiveness, but are significantly gentler on the garden and the environment
You can find more about the active ingredient XenTari® (Bacillus thuringiensis) here in a special article.