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Box tree Caterpillar
Box Tree Caterpillar is a common problem across the UK and we are very experienced in treating caterpillar infestations in both homes and businesses with a 100% success rate. Box tree caterpillar can destroy hedging and plants within a matter of days so if you see any symptoms please call us immediately on 0333 444 0928 , OR Whatsapp 07518 468 681. We are happy to travel outside normal areas to deal with this pest.
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What is box tree caterpillar?
Box tree caterpillars are the larvae of a moth that feeds on box (Buxus) plants. It is native to East Asia and it became established in Europe in 2007. Although the first adult moth arrived in Britain during 2007, followed by several moths to light traps in 2008, it was not until 2011 that larvae were reported in private gardens in the home counties. By the end of 2014 the moth had become established in parts of London and surrounding areas; in many cases the caterpillars causes severe defoliation. For growers in the south-east of England it is now a problem that is likely to ​reoccur repeatedly throughout the growing season and in successive years.
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Symptoms
Gardeners are likely to become aware of box tree caterpillar when they find webbing and caterpillars on box plants.
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The pale yellow flattish eggs are laid sheet-like, overlapping each other on the underside of box leaves
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Newly hatched caterpillars are greenish-yellow, with black heads. Older caterpillars reach up to 4cm (1¼in) in length and have a greenish/yellow body with thick black and thin white stripes along the length of the body
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The pupae are concealed in a cocoon of white webbing spun among leaves and twigs
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The adult moth usually has white wings with a faintly iridescent brown border, although the wings can be completely brown or clear. The moth has a wingspan of around 4cm (1¼in)
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The caterpillars eat box leaves and produce webbing over their feeding area. Plants may also show patches of brown dieback which may be especially apparent on trimmed plants. This is not to be confused with dieback caused by the disease known as box blight
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Caterpillars are also capable of stripping bark which can result in girdling of affected sections
How do you remove and treat box tree caterpillar?
Mavis pest control apply professional grade biological insecticide directly onto the foliage which when ingested by the caterpillars immediately stops them feeding and they die soon afterwards. The insecticide is completely non toxic and specifically targets box tree caterpillars, causing no harm no non target insects and wildlife. The process is very time consuming and we would normally advise 2 visits 10 -14 days apart to ensure full control of the infestation.
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