A beautiful garden is the apple of every gardener’s eye. We take care of him as best we can. Despite this, we are not always able to protect plants against all the dangers that await them. It turns out that the boxwood moth has been a huge problem in recent years. Although it prefers to feed on boxwood, it can also be found on other deciduous shrubs, e.g. the popular cherry laurel or holly.
The boxwood moth came from Asia and quickly took over Polish gardens
The boxwood moth is a relatively new threat to Polish gardens. It came to us from Asia about 10 years ago. Since then, it has spread unchecked throughout Europe. Initially, it had no natural enemies in our environment, but over time sparrows, tits, chickens, and some species of wasps began to be interested in it. However, in the case of a boxwood moth invasion, we are on our own. How to detect it and how to fight it?
The boxwood moth looks – well – like a moth. However, the greatest threat is its larvae. We can see numerous green caterpillars on the leaves, which devour them quickly. Thin threads of yarn and green lumps of excrement are also characteristic. Young larvae eat the more delicate edges of leaves, while older ones eat everything they can. This may even lead to the death of the entire plant.
The boxwood moth has taken over Polish gardens. Photo Jakub Porzycki / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
How to combat boxwood moth?
In stores we can buy various products to deal with the boxwood moth invasion. These include spraying and pheromone traps. However, these are sometimes expensive and require a trip to the store. Another option is to mechanically shake off the caterpillars with your hand or a water jet. This solution, however, is short-lived. It turns out that what we already have at home will work perfectly to combat this pest.
Baking powder against boxwood moth is very effective. Just sprinkle it on the leaves of bushes on which you have noticed the above-mentioned signs of caterpillar feeding. To increase effectiveness (the powder will stick to the leaves better) and save money (we will use less of it), it is worth preparing a spray. Just mix baking powder for boxwood moth with water in the proportion: one packet of powder (15 g) per liter of water. The bushes should be sprayed with this mixture several times within two weeks. After this time, the problem will be solved.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
