When is the right time?

Biology and way of life determine the right time

Only those who are aware of the life cycle of the Box tree moth has informed exactly, can effectively tackle the pest. Knowing your enemy is particularly important when using biological insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis. The ideal time to use the spray is when the butterfly is still at the beginning of its development. Since its eggs overwinter inside the boxwood, the caterpillars hatch very early in the year: around the beginning of March, when the temperatures are consistently above approx. seven to nine degrees Celsius, the big eating begins. Special box tree moth traps will also help you spot flying moths.

Fighting the box tree moth - when to do what

As soon as one gets caught in one of your traps, you need to act. Adult female moths lay up to 150 eggs in their short life, which lasts only around nine days. To keep the offspring from hatching, you have to be quick. Every year between three and five populations arise, i. In other words, the moth reproduces incredibly quickly. And this is how you fight the animals:

1. End of February / beginning of March:

• Examine the inside of the boxwood for white webs and cut them out
• Box trees with if necessary Algae lime pollinate

2. From the beginning of March

• Remove hatched caterpillars
• Boxwood cut back
• Box trees with Plant protection nets cover

3. Late April / early May

• Attach pheromone traps for the boxwood moth

4. From the beginning / middle of May

• biological insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis / Azadirachtin) inject
• mechanical control in the case of weak infestation (high pressure cleaner,(€ 99.99 at Amazon *) Vacuum cleaner etc.)