A plant expert has revealed a garlicky solution to tackling a deadly moth that is attacking box tree plants across the UK this summer. The box tree moth, also known as Cydalima perspectalis, has been a persistent menace since arriving in the UK in 2007. Expert Elise Harlock said it was continuing to devastate cherished box plants by swiftly reducing them from lush green to skeletal remains, according to the expert.
Active from April to October, these deadly moths pose a continuous threat to gardeners, she said. What are box tree moths? Box tree moths are invasive pests from East Asia that have spread rapidly across the UK, Elise said. The adult moths are identifiable by their white wings with brown borders and their caterpillars are greenish-yellow with black heads.
Overwintering as caterpillars in box plant canopies, they emerge in spring to cause extensive damage. Signs of infestation Early signs of a box tree caterpillar infestation include clear webbing on plants. These caterpillars feed on leaves, causing significant die-back and even boring into the plant's bark.
Without timely intervention, these pests can completely kill box plants and hedges, leaving a devastated garden landscape. Garlic to ward off box tree moths Elise, who is brand manager at Prestige Flowers , has shared a clever and budget-friendly solution to protect your box plants from these voracious pests. "Box tree moths are a serious problem, but there are simple, natural methods to keep them at bay withou.
