6 myths about the boxwood moth

All sorts of rumors are circulating about the little green caterpillar. We follow them up and clear up the most famous myths about the box tree moth.

They are small, voracious, and the horror of most gardeners - Box tree moth (Glyphodes perspectalis) cause sleepless nights for many gardeners. The harmful moths originally came from the East Asian region, but were probably introduced to Central Europe in 2006 through the transport of plants. Since then, the small animals have turned out to be real pests: especially the green ones Caterpillars of the moth, which can be recognized by their concise black and white drawing, are characterized by a great appetite, which they like to have 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 by eating them until they die. Anyone who wants to declare war on the unloved guests in the garden will soon discover that there are numerous rumors about the box tree moth on the Internet. We have found out for you what is behind the myths surrounding this annoying pest.

Myth 1: The box tree moth is required to report

The box tree moth has spread almost epidemically over Central Europe and is still on the advance thanks to its aggressive nature. So it's no wonder that the question arises again and again: is the box tree moth subject to registration? In fact, there is no reporting requirement for the box tree moth. This is only expressed when there is an acute danger to humans and animals. The box tree moth can cause skin irritation when touched and cost a few nerves - but it does not represent a real danger.

Myth 2: the number of box tree moth cycles

How many box tree moth cycles are there actually? In order to find the right time to control the box tree moth, it is of great importance to know the course of the box tree moth cycle. This ranges from oviposition, the caterpillar stage and pupation to the flight of the adult animals and the renewed oviposition and is usually repeated every two to three months. However, since the moths are only active during the warm months, it is widely believed that only two cycles occur per year. However, this is a widespread misconception: in fact, up to four cycles per year can take place if the weather conditions are right. This year, the first moths could already be found in April, while the last were spotted in September. So if the weather cooperates, the box tree moth can do a lot more than just two cycles. Which Time to fight the box tree moth makes the most sense, we reveal here.

Myth 3: Algae lime against the box tree moth

When looking for an effective control strategy against the box tree moth, many hobby gardeners come across various aids. But does algae lime, for example, help against the box tree moth? In fact, it is touted as a real miracle cure in many Internet forums: pure organic and with natural ingredients, the remedy should not only help against borer, but also that Boxwood diseases, like the box tree leaf fall, caused by a fungal disease Cylindrocladium buxicola, prevent and strengthen the Buchs in general. Unfortunately, this assumption cannot be confirmed: The teaching and research institute for horticulture (LVG) Bad Zwischenahn could not have any effect of the algae lime on the box tree moth or the box tree leaf fall determine. Even in a second attempt, in which the caterpillars were fed with algae lime, the pests suffered no noticeable damage. Only the insecticide XenTari was able to deliver satisfactory results and kill a large part of the caterpillars.

Myth 4: Traps to fight the box tree moth

Box tree moth traps have become a real bestseller in recent years, because they promise a borer-free garden without much effort or harmful insecticides. But can the boxwood moth really be fought with traps? Theoretically, the way it works is relatively simple: the adult boxwood moths are attracted by sex hormones and finally land on a sticky one Glue board or in a water trap. Nevertheless, the traps hardly help in the garden. The reason for this is the fact that only male boxwood moths are attracted to the scent of the pheromones - however, the female moths are spared and continue to lay their eggs in the garden away.

Nevertheless, setting up such a trap - you can, for example, the Plantura moth trap use - prove to be extremely useful when it comes to detecting the pests in your own garden. Since the full-grown boxwood moth are nocturnal and the caterpillars are difficult to spot, the boxwood moth infestation is often discovered very late. The time of the butterfly flight can be determined by the trapped males in the trap. In this way, it is then possible to search for possible caterpillars in a targeted manner and treat them promptly with XenTari.

Myth 5: Home remedies to control the box tree moth

Many gardeners want to avoid synthetic pesticides and insecticides in their plants. Especially when it comes to driving away pests such as the box tree moth, many resort to home remedies or biological measures to control the borer the annoying insects back. Unfortunately, many of these methods are not crowned with success: collecting the individual caterpillars from the plant is not only laborious, but also only makes sense if there is very little infestation. Once the infestation spreads, it is almost impossible to get hold of all of the caterpillars, especially since there are many inside the boxwood. Even hosing down with a high-pressure cleaner can at most reduce the number of box tree moths, but not completely control them. In addition, with this method you run the risk of damaging the sensitive shoots of the book and thus risking fungal infections. Unfortunately, the only really effective measure is still to use active ingredients such as ours Plantura borer-free XenTari®.

Myth 6: Syringes to prevent borer infestation

The question of preventive treatment of boxwood with insecticide in spring also comes up again and again. Unfortunately, this myth is as false as it is dangerous: Injections that work against the Box tree moths work, have no depot effect and are at the latest with the next rain washed out. Instead, preventive spraying can even be rated negatively: Chemical insecticides such as thiacloprid in particular have a harmful effect on the environment and can also be toxic Beneficial insects how Beesbe. It is better to check your boxwood at regular intervals and only use sprays if it is found in order to contain the infestation as quickly as possible.

Anything else you need to Control of the box tree mothneed to know, see our article.