Fight box tree moths biologically: This is how you get rid of them naturally

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 (boxy) from the gluttonous box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) are haunted, you don't have to throw all principles overboard. Fighting is also possible without poison and chemicals - if you know how. We have provided you with everything you need to know about natural control.

Below we go on control methods, like ours Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari^® with Bacillus thuringiensis, as well as on fighting 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.

Box tree moth organic with XenTari^® fight

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis occurs 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 stem "Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies aizawai, tribe ABTS-1857". This produces a Bt toxin that only affects caterpillars. To with us native butterfly species Luckily you don't have to worry. Due to the food specialization of butterfly caterpillars, they are not affected by our agent - it is almost impossible for them to snack on the poisonous boxwood. Likewise is ours Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari^® not dangerous to bees, gentle on beneficial insects and completely biodegradable.

XenTari^®: Instructions for ideal application

If you choose our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari^® have decided, you should consider the following when applying:

• Regular check-ups between March and September enable early and therefore promising treatment. 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 mixed with the Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari^® be wetted. The interior of the shrub must not be left out.
• The application should take place at outside temperatures of at least 15 °C.
• A sachet containing 2 grams of XenTari^® is sufficient for the treatment of 33 m² with a bush height of 50 cm. Information on taller shrubs can be found in the enclosed leaflet.
• Bring our Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari^® It is best to use a spray bottle to waste as little of the active ingredient as possible.
• Bring 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 in the event of inhalation, skin contact, swallowing or eye contact, observe the instructions on the package insert.

Fight box tree moths with neem products

Plant protection products, which from the Tropical Neem Tree Seed Oilare obtained, 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. Also, these agents are considered harmful to predatory mites, various wasps,ladybug,lacewings, hoverflies and of course fish and their food animals.

Summary Combat box tree moths with neem products:

• 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 crop protection products
• Low-dose, simple blends of neem oil can work effectively without posing a comparably high risk

Fight box tree moths with home remedies

There are rumors circulating about various home remedies against the Zünsler. Some tricks work quite well, while others would waste your time. Simply collecting the Caterpillars of the box tree moth For example, it can be considered effective for light and medium infestations, even if it is a bit time-consuming. Using the hedge trimmer at the right time also leaves a large proportion of borer eggs and pull young larvae out of the way with one blow. For both approaches, regular checks are part of the process pheromone traps - very important. If the caterpillars are free outdoors, a mixture of oil, vinegar and water can be quite effective against them. Using a high-pressure cleaner or a nozzle for the garden hose is even easier than the previous home remedies: Who so that the boxwood is vigorously worked on from the inside and outside, a noticeable success will be achieved even with a heavy infestation be able.

Tip: If you are still looking for a pheromone trap, then take a look at ours Plantura shop past. There you can see the Plantura Buy a borer trap, which attracts the male moths with the help of attractants and thus serves for the early detection of a moth infestation.

Nets are used prophylactically, which prevent the oviposition of the moth moth prevent on your own bush. If this chance has passed, the pests can still be grilled with a dark garbage bag on a sunny day. All important information about Fighting the borer with home remedies can be found 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 boxwood.

Summary Combat 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
• Gathering, cutting removal, hosing, and the 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 mouths. 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 overcome yourself and touched and collected the little caterpillar, you can find out here how to do it Box tree moth disposed of.

Combat 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 worm 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 as if the local fauna is getting used to the new roommate. Wasps and some garden birds - tits, sparrows, redstarts and starlings - have already been observed devouring the caterpillars and moths.

It is possible that the feathered helpers adapt to the poisonousness of the borer and that a natural antagonist finally appears. The promotion of these potential helpers represents the most future-oriented measure to combat borers.

Summary Combat 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
• domestic wasps and encouraging birds can help to get the borer problem under control in the long term; in the 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, the application is often quick and the effect satisfactory. However, it also has a number of disadvantages, which is why we recommend biological means like ours Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari^® to fall back.

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. useful ground beetles, ladybug, 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. But various means are gentle 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. All points together are in any case 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 use of chemical pesticides acts quickly and is effective
• Disadvantages are the high effort and the damage that can occur to the environment or users
• Damage to beneficials leads to greater problems with yet other pests that were previously held in check by those beneficials
• Alternatives are biological sprays, which are in no way inferior to conventional products in terms of effectiveness, but are significantly gentler on the garden and the environment

More about the active ingredient XenTari® (Bacillus thuringiensis) can be found here in a special article.