box tree moth caterpillar

joannaber

I have noticed box tree moth caterpillars on my box. Can I spray with anything to protect them?I am in SE ad have had them last year as well.
I do not know if there is any treatment but have been picking individual Caterpillars and squashing them. Thanks

Justagardener

This caterpillar is an absolute pest. You can spray it with bug clear ultra or any caterpillar killer. It will have to eat some of the leaves in order to ingest the bug killer but it does start to break the cycle. The larvae cocoon themselves in webs between leaves and can do quite a lot of damage early on, so search for these and remove them. It can decimate a plant in 36 hours So don't hang around!
More info here: https://theperfectgarden.co.uk/how-to-save-your-box-plants-and-hedges/

joannaber

Thank you. Cannot get the spray ATM so will keep picking them off