6 myths about the box tree moth

Various rumors are circulating about the little green caterpillar. We follow them and clear up the most well-known myths about the box tree moth.

They are small, gluttonous, and the terror of most gardeners - box tree moth (Glyphodes perspectalis) cause sleepless nights for many gardeners. The harmful moths originally come from East Asia, but were probably brought to Central Europe in 2006 by plant transport. Since then, the small animals have turned out to be real pests: especially the green ones Caterpillars of the borer, which can be recognized by their concise black and white markings, are characterized by a large appetite, which they like to eat box trees (boxy) omit. Unfortunately, the insatiable hunger of the caterpillars has fatal effects on the infested trees, because the small animals can damage the plants with their food until they die. However, anyone who wants to declare war on the unloved guests in the garden soon has to realize that numerous rumors about the box tree moth are circulating on the Internet. We have found out for you what is behind the myths surrounding the annoying pest.

Myth 1: The box tree moth has to be reported

The box tree moth has spread almost like an epidemic across Central Europe and is still on the rise thanks to its aggressive nature. So it's no wonder that the question keeps coming up: is the box tree moth subject to notification? In fact, there is no obligation to report the box tree moth. This is only pronounced when there is an acute danger to humans and animals. Although the box tree moth can cause skin irritation when touched and get on your nerves, it does not pose a real danger.

Myth 2: Number of box tree moth cycles

How many box tree moth cycles are there actually? In order to find the right time to combat the box tree moth, it is of great importance to know the course of the box tree moth cycle. This ranges from the laying of eggs, through the caterpillar stage and pupation to the flight of the adult animals and the laying of new eggs and usually repeats itself every two to three months. However, since the moths are only active during the warm months, it is widely believed that there are only two cycles per year. However, this is a common misconception: In fact, up to four cycles can take place a year if the weather conditions are right. This year, the first moths could already be detected in April, while the last ones were still sighted in September. So if the weather plays along, the box tree moth can do significantly more than just two cycles. Which Time to combat the box tree moth makes the most sense, we reveal here.

Myth 3: Algae against the box tree moth

In search of an effective control strategy against the box tree moth, many hobby gardeners come across various tools. But does algae lime help against the box tree moth, for example? In fact, this is touted as a true miracle cure in many Internet forums: Pure organic and with natural ingredients, the remedy should not only help against borers, but also that boxwood diseases, such as boxwood leaf fall, caused by a fungal disease Cylindrocladium buxicola, prevent and generally strengthen the box. Unfortunately, this assumption cannot be confirmed: The teaching and research institute for horticulture (LVG) Bad Zwischenahn could not find any effect of the algae lime on the box tree moth or box tree leaf fall determine. Also in a second experiment, in which the caterpillars were fed with algae lime, the pests suffered no discernible damage. Just the insecticide XenTari was able to give satisfactory results and kill a majority of the caterpillars.

Myth 4: Traps to control the box tree moth

Box Tree Moth Traps have become a real bestseller in recent years, because they promise a moth-free garden without much effort or harmful insecticides. But can the box tree moth really be fought with traps? The way it works is theoretically relatively simple: the adult box tree moths are attracted by sex hormones and finally land on a sticky one glue board or in a waterfall. Nevertheless, the traps hardly help in the garden. The reason for this is the fact that only male box tree moths are attracted to the scent of the pheromones - but 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 borer trap use - prove to be extremely useful when it comes to detecting the pests in your own garden. Since the adult box tree moth is nocturnal and the caterpillars are difficult to spot, the infestation with box tree moths is often discovered very late. The males caught in the trap can be used to determine the time of the moth's flight. In this way, a targeted search can be made for possible caterpillars and these can be treated promptly with XenTari.

Myth 5: Home remedies to combat the box tree moth

Many gardeners want to avoid using synthetic pesticides and insecticides on their plants. Especially when it comes to expelling pests such as the box tree moth, many resort to home remedies or biological measures to combat borers of annoying insects back. Unfortunately, many of these methods are not crowned with success: Collecting the individual caterpillars from the plant is not only tedious, but also only makes sense in the case of very low infestation. Once the infestation has spread, it is nearly impossible to catch all the caterpillars, especially since many are inside the boxwood. Even hosing down with a high-pressure cleaner can at most reduce the number of box tree moths, but not completely eliminate them. In addition, with this method you run the risk of injuring the sensitive shoots of the bush and thus risking fungal diseases. Unfortunately, the only really effective measure is still to use active ingredients such as ours Plantura Zünslerfrei XenTari®.

Myth 6: Spraying to prevent borer infestation

The question of preventive treatment of boxwood with insecticides in spring also comes up again and again. Unfortunately, this myth is as false as it is dangerous: chemical sprays used against the Box tree moths work, have no depot effect and will be at the latest with the next rain washed out. Instead, preventive spraying can even be viewed negatively: chemical insecticides in particular, such as thiacloprid, have a harmful effect on the environment and can also be toxic to humans beneficials how beesbe. It is better to check your boxwood at regular intervals and only use sprays if you find something concrete in order to contain the infestation as quickly as possible.

Anything else you need Control of the box tree mothneed to know, you will find out in our article.