A variety of rumors are circulating about the little green caterpillar. We investigate them and clear up the most well-known myths about the box tree moth.
Small, gluttonous and the nightmare of most gardeners - box tree moths (Glyphodes perspectalis) cause sleepless nights for many gardeners. The harmful moths originally come from East Asia, but were probably brought to Central Europe in 2006 by plant transport. Since then, the small animals have turned out to be real pests: especially the green caterpillars of the borer, which can be recognized by their concise black and white markings, are characterized by a large appetite, which they like to eat box trees (Buxus ) omit. Unfortunately, the insatiable hunger of the caterpillars has fatal effects on the infested trees, because the small animals can damage the plants with their food until they die. However, anyone who wants to declare war on the unloved guests in the garden soon has to realize that numerous rumors about the box tree moth are circulating on the Internet. We have found out for you what is behind the myths surrounding the annoying pest.
Myth 1: The box tree moth has to be reported
The box tree moth has spread almost like an epidemic across Central Europe and is still on the rise thanks to its aggressive nature. So it's no wonder that the question keeps coming up: is the box tree moth subject to notification? In fact, there is no obligation to report the box tree moth. This is only pronounced when there is an acute danger to humans and animals. Although the box tree moth can cause skin irritation when touched and get on your nerves, it does not pose a real danger.
Myth 2: Number of box tree moth cycles
How many box tree moth cycles are there? In order to find the right time to combat the box tree moth, it is of great importance to know the course of the box tree moth cycle. This ranges from the oviposition, the caterpillar stage and the pupation to the flight of the adult animals and the renewed oviposition andusually repeats itself every two to three months. However, since the moths are only active during the warm months, it is widely believed that there are only two cycles per year. However, this is a common misconception: In fact, up to four cycles can take place a year if the weather conditions are right. This year, the first moths could already be detected in April, while the last ones were still sighted in September. So if the weather plays along, the box tree moth can do significantly more than just two cycles. We tell you here when it makes the most sense to combat the box tree moth.
Myth 3: Algae against the box tree moth
In the search for an effective control strategy against the box tree moth, many hobby gardeners come across various tools. But does algae lime help against the box tree moth, for example? In fact, this is touted as a true miracle cure in many internet forums: purely biological and with natural ingredients, the remedy is not only supposed to help against borers, but also against boxwood diseases, such as boxwood leaf fall, a fungal disease caused by Cylindrocladium buxicola , prevent and generally strengthen the box. Unfortunately, this assumption cannot be confirmed: The Horticultural Teaching and Research Institute (LVG) Bad Zwischenahn was unable to determine any effect of the algae lime on the box tree moth or the box tree leaf fall. Also in a second experiment, in which the caterpillars were fed with algae lime, the pests suffered no discernible damage. Only the insecticide XenTari was able to provide satisfactory results and kill most of the caterpillars.
Myth 4: Traps to control the box tree moth
Box tree moth traps have become a real bestseller in recent years because they promise a moth-free garden without much effort or harmful insecticides. But can the box tree moth really be fought with traps? The way it works is theoretically relatively simple: the adult box tree moths are attracted by sex hormones and end up on a sticky glue table or in a water trap. Nevertheless, the traps hardly help in the garden. The reason for this is the fact that only male box tree moths are attracted to the scent of the pheromones -however, the female moths are spared and continue to lay their eggs in the garden.
Nevertheless, setting up such a trap - you can use the Plantura moth trap, for example - can prove to be extremely useful when it comes to detecting the pests in your own garden. Since the adult box tree moth is nocturnal and the caterpillars are difficult to spot, the infestation with box tree moths is often discovered very late. The males caught in the trap can be used to determine the time of the moth's flight. In this way, a targeted search can then be made for possible caterpillars and these can be treated promptly with XenTari.
Myth 5: Home remedies to combat the box tree moth
Many gardeners want to avoid using synthetic pesticides and insecticides on their plants. Especially when it comes to expelling pests such as the box tree moth, many resort to home remedies or biological measures to combat the annoying insects. Unfortunately, many of these methods are not crowned with success: Collecting the individual caterpillars from the plant is not only tedious, but also only makes sense in the case of very low infestation. Once the infestation has spread, it is nearly impossible to catch all the caterpillars, especially since many are inside the boxwood. Even hosing down with a high-pressure cleaner can at most reduce the number of box tree moths, but not completely eliminate them. In addition, with this method you run the risk of injuring the sensitive shoots of the bush and thus risking fungal diseases. Unfortunately, the only really effective measure is still to use active ingredients such as our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari®.
Myth 6: spraying to prevent borer infestation
The question of preventive treatment of the boxwood with insecticide in the spring comes up again and again. Unfortunately, this myth is just as wrong as it is dangerous: Sprays that are effective against the box tree moth have no depot effect and are washed out at the latest with the next rain. Instead, preventive spraying can even be viewed negatively: Chemical insecticides such as thiacloprid in particular have a harmful effect on the environment and can also be toxic to beneficial insects such as bees. It is better to check your boxwood at regular intervals and only use sprays if you find something concrete to eliminate the infestation as quickly as possibleto contain.
Read our article for everything else you need to know about box tree moth control.