Are box tree moths poisonous?

The box tree moth eats from the poisonous box tree. We clarify whether caterpillars or moths are poisonous and whether they are safe to touch.

Many regions of Germany are from box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) affected. When checking and fighting, we then come uncomfortably close to him. The bright green coloring and fine hair of the caterpillars therefore raise the question of whether the animals might not be poisonous. Fortunately we can reassure you. Because no matter how annoying it is, the Zünsler can only harm us a little.

Can you now touch them with your hands and can't birds perhaps devour the vermin for us? The following paragraphs explain you completely about the toxicity of the box tree moth.

Is the box tree moth poisonous?

We must first answer this question with yes. Because the larvae of the box tree moth feed on the leaves of the

boxwood (boxy), which contains about 70 different, mostly toxic alkaloids in leaves and bark. Young larvae even prefer older foliage, which contains alkaloids in particularly high concentrations. Some of these substances are from the Caterpillars of the borer metabolized, others stored in the body as an effective protection against feeding. In this way, the offspring of the box tree moth becomes inedible or even poisonous for many possible enemies. The toxins contained in boxwood are actually poisonous for us humans too. The good news is: touching boxy and box tree moths is still harmless according to current knowledge, because the alkaloids involved are not absorbed through the skin. However, it is better not to eat the caterpillars. And you can also touch the moths without worry.

Tip: Allergic skin infections after contact with boxwood are possible, albeit very rare. Always keep a close eye on children when handling boxwood and boxwood moth caterpillars.

Is the box tree moth poisonous to birds?

Although box tree moth caterpillars should be poisonous to birds, various sources report that Tits, redstarts, sparrows, starlings and even wasps gradually develop a taste for the fat larvae come. However, it remains to be seen whether they are actually suitable as natural opponents, because it has been also observed several times that birds regurgitate their prey after a while and despise. The adults Box tree moth moth on the other hand, birds like to eat them.

Tip: If you want to benefit from the birds' interest in the box tree moth, you can encourage the winged beneficial insects in the garden. More about these and more biological control methods of the borer can also be found in our special article.

Can you touch the box tree moth with your hands?

The moths of the box tree moth are safe to touch. This also applies with restrictions to the caterpillars, because allergic skin reactions could only occur in extremely rare cases. What would not bother an adult could possibly affect children more unpleasantly, which is why you should not let them play with the caterpillars for long and intensively. Brief touches are normally not a problem. Those who are concerned and want to be on the safe side can wear gloves when collecting or examining the caterpillars and washing their hands after handling them.

Collect box tree moths with your hands

Collecting the caterpillars of the box tree moth can be a first step in combating a very small infestation. Were about only a few borer eggs placed in the outer areas, the hatched larvae can be removed by hand before venturing into the dense interior of the shrub. If you find well-developed caterpillars that are two inches long on the outside of the bush, you can assume that the infestation is already so severe that collecting them is no longer effective. Now you should resort to other means to combat the box tree moth. Here you will find all the information you need to Fighting the moth.

Tip: Even easier than collecting is cutting the boxwood to remove both eggs and larvae. The clippings are packed in sealed bags and disposed of with the residual waste. A cut no later than two weeks after observing the flight of the moth – discovered, for example, with a pheromone trap – is the first step towards a moth-free boxwood. If you are looking for a pheromone trap, in our shop you can buy the Plantura Buy a borer trap.