Boxwood moth: 5 ideas to fight it effectively!
The boxwood moth is a multicolored caterpillar native to Asia (green, yellow and black) which, from the beginning of spring, feeds on the leaves of the boxwood and its bark. The insect, like , causes considerable damage to the boxwoods in our gardens. The boxwood begins to turn yellow, then it becomes covered with white threads and dries out. Defoliated, the boxwood becomes a victim of other parasites.
1. Join forces with the little birds
Sparrows, tits and blackbirds are fond of caterpillars. You can attract them to your garden by installing shelters. Chickadees appreciate moss-based nest boxes. Also note that the moth of the moth is devoured by bats.
2. Adopt an ecological solution: black soap
The insect cannot resist dark knowledge. You should prepare a solution by diluting one volume of black soap in ten volumes of water then spray it on the bush, taking care to soak the top and bottom of the leaves, as well as the heart of the bush. Nettle manure can also get rid of the moth.
3. The effectiveness of diatomaceous earth
Gray diatomaceous earth is effective in eliminating moths. It must be sprinkled abundantly on the bush. The insect, by crunching the leaves, destroys its digestive system. Furthermore, the earth strengthens the bark of the boxwood.
4. Pick them up with your bare hand
The most persistent can get rid of the moth with their bare hands, one by one. Contact with the insect is painless. This method does not guarantee radical elimination and can only be carried out on a small scale. If the boxwood is large, it should be shaken vigorously to knock down the moths. A good splash of water produces the same effect.
5. The Thuringian bacillus
The most scientific ones use Bacillus thuringiensis. This environmentally friendly molecule is recommended for organic gardens. This bacteria produces a toxin which is radical against caterpillars. The treatment, based on careful spraying, must be repeated every two weeks.
If the treatment is carried out too late, then you will have to cut your boxwood and replace it with another plant such as honeysuckle, Japanese spindle, crenellated holly or false boxwood which are plants with fairly similar foliage whose resistance is greater than that of boxwood.
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