About the Landscape Juice Network

Founded in 2008. The Landscape Juice Network (LJN) is the largest and fastest growing professional landscaping and horticultural association in the United Kingdom.

LJN's professional business forum is unrivalled and open to anyone within within the UK landscape industry

LJN's Business Objectives Group (BOG) is for any Pro serious about building their business.

For the researching visitor there's a wealth of landscaping ideas, garden design ideas, lawn advice tips and advice about garden maintenance.

PRO

Box Tree Caterpillar damage

Has anyone had an experience with Box Tree Caterpillar infestation?

My box balls/box hedge is being decimated by caterpillars as I type. 

I have no idea where they have come from but the damage has occurred very swiftly. It's rather disappointing as the plants had become well established and the hedge was beginning to mature.

I have sprayed with a proprietary insecticide.

From the RHS website: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=760

"Box tree caterpillars are the larvae of a moth that feeds on box (Buxus) plants. It is native to East Asia and it became established in Europe in 2007. Although adult moths were first found in the UK in light traps in 2008, it was not until 2011 that larvae were reported in private gardens in the home counties. By the end of 2014 the moth had become established in parts of London and surrounding counties; in many cases the caterpillars had caused severe defoliation indicating that the moth is likely to become a serious problem."

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • PRO
    We have had extensive infestations in our patch for the last 2 years.

    If caught early enough they make a full recovery (which I would anticipate yours will judging from the pictures)
    • PRO

      Thanks Nick

      I think I will lose a couple of plants as they are very small and have been ravaged. The majority, I hope, will pull through...although some have been thoroughly stripped.

      What has astonished me is the speed with which the infestation happened.

    • What are you using to treat Nick?

  • PRO Supplier

    Hello Phil,

    So you are not embracing french culinary bravery and pan-frying the little critters in a garlic sauce ?

    Bring those (box) balls back to the UK and you can spray with Dipel - naturally occurring bacteria especially for caterpillars - approved for amenity veg.

    Also suggested are Pyrethrum & Bandu for insecticide sprays..Link: DIPEL DF

    Richard@Progreen

    https://www.progreen.co.uk/dipel-df-500-g

    DiPel DF 500 g | Insecticide | Caterpillars | Brown Tail Moth - ProGreen
    Biological insecticide to control caterpillars in vegetables, soft fruit ornamental s & amenity vegetation - Also controls Brown Tail Moth - Fast UK…
    • PRO

      Thanks Richard

      I've just checked and it looks like I can buy Dipel in France. Before I do, are you able to ship, or is it restricted?

    • PRO

      ...and I'll give fried caterpillar a miss;)

  • PRO

    I've just got an alert from a French site I subscribe to. Thought it a bit later in the season though. The caterpillars have long since gone (although I'm sure there will be eggs that will overwinter within the plants).

    ALERTE Chenille du buis

    Nous voudrions attirer votre attention sur un problème d'invasion d'une chenille qui mange les feuilles des buis avec un appétit vorace!!
    Ce problème constaté en Europe nous est parvenu en Dordogne.
    Ces chenilles peuvent détruire en quelques semaines les culture de buis, c'est pourquoi nous voulions vous alerter et vous proposer quelques solutions au cas où vous rencontreriez ce nuisible dans votre jardin.
    Cette chenille s'appelle la Pyrale du buis et il faut la traiter dès les premières attaques.

    Elles sont particulièrement nombreuses en cette fin de saison. De plus , ce sont ces générations là, qui composerons les premières générations de 2017. Plus elles seront nombreuses et plus l'attaque de début d'année sera virulente.

  • PRO

    My plants are showing strong signs of recovery. New shoots starting to appear.

    3314760982?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

    3314758828?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

This reply was deleted.

LJN Sponsor

Advertising

PRO

How Do You Qualify A Sales Lead?


I don't know about you, but our phones and emails are starting to get busy with enquiries. I've learned over the years that it's all too easy to answer the phone, arrange a consultation and then spend a couple of hours with a prospective client…

Read more…
Comments: 0