What Are Box Tree Moths?
The Box Tree Moth originates from South East Asia and was accidentally introduced to the UK in 2007. This Pest poses a serious threat to commercial and residential landscapes and is spreading fast across the UK.
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Box Tree Moths
Known for rapidly defoiliating box hedging (boxwood), this invasive insect can cause significant visual damage and long-term harm to the boxwood plants widely used as low formal hedging to edge beds in business parks, hotels, schools and other commercial environments.
The Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is native to East Asia and has become a destructive pest across the UK. It's larvae feed exclusively on boxwood plants, stripping leaves and bark to the point of severe damage or death. With two to three life cycles each year, infestations can quickly spiral without intervention. The moths lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, and the resulting caterpillars feed voraciously. Signs of infestation can appear suddenly and worsen rapidly if not addressed.
Signs of Infestation
Early identification is key to managing a Box Tree Moth outbreak. Spotting the pest in its initial stages allows for timely treatment before the infestation becomes widespread. Here's what to look for:
- Chewed or skeletonised leaves
- Silken webbing across foilage
- Green-yellow catrerpillars with black and white stripes
- Black Frass (droppings) on leaves
- Clusters of yellowish eggs on leaf undersides
When comparing the damage caused by box blight or box tree caterpillars, caterpillars leave clear webbing and frass, while blight typically shows black spots on leaves and stems without insects present.
Why You Need To Act Fast
Delaying action when dealing with a Box Tree Moth infestation can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible damage. Their caterpillars feed quickly and aggressively, often stripping boxwood hedges within days. With multiple generations emerging throughout the year, the population of this pest can multiply rapidly, compounding the harm done to your plants.
Left untreated, repeated attacks weaken box plants significantly, resulting in plant death and costly replacements. In commercial environments, suchas visible degradation can also affect the appearance and professionalism of your premises. Prompt intervention helps protect both your investment in landscaping and the reputation of your business.
To explore treatment options tailored to your site, contact our team of experienced professionals.
