The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) – pest management

The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis sin. Diaphania perspectalis ) is a dangerous pest native to East Asia, which was first reported in Europe in 2006, on the German border with Switzerland.

Description. Adults are moths with white wings with a dark edge and a wingspan of about 4 cm.

The larvae have a black head, and the rest of the body is yellow-green, with black dots and tufts of fine hairs. They grow from a few millimeters to 4 cm long. After about a month, the larvae enter the stern stage (protected by a cocoon) for about 14 days.

Adults have a relatively short lifespan, but a single specimen can lay up to 500 flat, yellow eggs, grouped on the underside of boxwood leaves.

The hairy caterpillar of boxwood. The anatomy of this insect is not fully known, but it is assumed that it would have 2-3 generations per year. It winters in the form of small caterpillars, protected and attached to each other by a silk cloth woven in autumn. In the spring, they complete their development, reaching adulthood.

The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) - pest management

The description of box tree moth attack of the boxwood

The larvae are the ones that cause damage because they consume parts of the leaves and can cause the entire defoliation of the boxwood in a short period of time. It is assumed that there are two predominant periods of the attack: in April and July.

Detection of the attack. The attack can be most easily observed by the presence of snails and caterpillars inside the boxwood bushes, which have dry parts. Periodic checks are made for eggs laid on the underside of leaves and small yellow larvae. The pupae can be identified by the cocoons woven from canvas and leafy branches. Adults can be seen in May-August when they lay their eggs.

Pest management. Control of this pest can be done using specific insecticides.

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In order for the insecticide solution to remain on the glossy leaves of the boxwood, adjuvants can be used.

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Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Identifying the pest in time and taking appropriate measures to eliminate it will significantly reduce the attack and damage caused. Thus, it is recommended to cut the dry branches and apply specific insecticides, the treatment is repeated depending on the evolution of the attack.

A special fertilizer can be used to regenerate the bush after the attack.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
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