The boxwood moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is an insect that has appeared in Poland relatively recently, but for several years of its presence it has been quite a nuisance to the owners of gardens. Although it is one of the many pests that feed on garden plants, it is worth noting that the boxwood moth is an extremely voracious and fast-spreading species, and it takes only a few days to almost completely destroy the bush. How to recognize the boxwood moth and how to fight it? What sprays should be used to get rid of the pest?
Boxwood moth
What is a boxwood moth and what sprays should be used?
The boxwood moth belongs to the group of butterflies and is one of the largest moths in Europe. It comes from Asia, and probably appeared in Poland together with imported goods. Interestingly, the adult specimen is harmless, and the greatest havoc among boxwood bushes is caused by moth larvae that feed on the young shoots of the plant. The sludge formed as a result of their presence causes significant damage to the plant and, consequently, to its complete death.
What does a boxwood moth look like?
A distinctive distinguishing feature of an adult insect is its size. As we have already mentioned, the boxwood moth is one of the largest moths, and its wingspan can reach up to 4 cm. The most common color of the wings is a white center with a brown border, but specimens with completely brown wings can also be noted among the population. These differences are caused by genetic variability and high adaptability of the insect.
The head of the boxwood moth is grey-brown in color, with characteristic yellow or beige antennae, and is covered with brown hairs. The body of the insect, depending on its fragment, takes on different shades - from whitish near the head to dark brown in the back.
The climate prevailing in Poland is very favorable for the boxwood moth, which is why up to 3 full development cycles of the insect can be recorded during the year, and the length of one of them, in very favorable conditions and temperatures around 25ºC, usually lasts about 20 days. The first development cycle usually takes place at the beginning of April, the second at the beginning of July, and the third at the turn of September and October.
Symptoms of the boxwood moth
Boxwood is a plant characterized by dense and durable foliage, which is why it is willingly used as a base for hedges. Not only gardeners appreciated this advantage, because the lush growth and rapid spreading of the plant are ideal conditions for all kinds of pests, including the boxwood moth.
The insect lays eggs on the underside of the leaves, and their diameter is max. 1 mm, therefore a cursory check of the condition of the plant may be insufficient to notice their presence. The next stage of development, i.e. the hatching of tiny insect larvae, is another moment that is easy to overlook. Unfortunately, it is the larvae, especially at a later stage of development, that are the most dangerous for the plant and quickly devastate subsequent parts of the plant.
So how do you prevent boxwood moth infestation? First of all, you need to watch the plant very carefully. Particular attention should be paid to the underside and meticulously unwrap the leaf blades. Another, quite typical symptom of the appearance of the pest is the gradual browning and drying of the leaves. The last stage is defoliation, as a result of which the plant is completely destroyed, and only the characteristic, sticky yarn with larval excrements remains on the bare shoots.
How to get rid of boxwood moth?
The ease of reproduction of the pest, favorable climatic conditions and the lack of natural enemies are the main reasons for the nuisance of the boxwood moth. It is an insect that is difficult to eliminate from the garden and easily moves between successive specimens, and even between neighboring gardens.
Experienced gardeners recommend, above all, preventive measures and systematic checking of the plant, especially in the above-mentioned sensitive seasons, which are conducive to the reproduction of the pest. But what to do when boxwood has already been attacked? Is it possible to get rid of the boxwood moth?
Much depends on both the stage of development and the number of pests. One of the recommended forms of fighting the moth is mechanical action consisting in manually collecting the larvae from the leaves. This method will work only in not very intense invasions. Just like specialized pheromone traps. Plants placed close by attract male insects, which become trapped inside the trap. Reducing the size of the male part of the pest population results in limiting the reproductive possibilities and, consequently, in getting rid of the moth from the garden.
Fighting the boxwood moth with chemical preparations
If the number of insects exceeds the capabilities of the pheromone trap, and thus - there is also no way to get rid of the problem manually, you should use professional chemicals that contain specific active substances that have a biocidal effect.
One of the most frequently used sprays against the boxwood moth is Mospilan 20 SP Target, the composition of which contains chemical substances with a systemic effect. The green parts of the plant absorb the preparation, which then spreads along with the juices inside the plant and enters the organism of the feeding pest.
Another recommended spray for the boxwood moth is the Polysect Boxwood Substral long-acting insecticide, the effects of which are visible within 24 hours of application. Like Mospilan, this spray also has a surface and systemic effect, and insects feeding on the plant die, even if they have not had direct contact with the spray.
A good method of combating the boxwood moth, also often used in organic plant cultivation, is the Lepinox Plus Target Natura preparation, containing the naturally occurring bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces crystal proteins activated in the digestive system of the larvae. Infected caterpillars stop feeding immediately after ingesting the bacteria and die within 72 hours.
It is worth remembering that spraying the boxwood moth should be carried out immediately after noticing the larvae of the pest. Generally - the sooner we take appropriate steps, the greater the chance of removing insects from the garden. Since the moths reproduce successively, and each successive development cycle is conducive to the recurrence of the intruder, it is necessary to repeat the treatment every few weeks and systematically observe the plants.
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