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Does box caterpillar always return after initial infestation?

davidhuntdavidhunt Posts: 7
edited May 2019 in Problem solving
We have an infestation of box caterpillar last year which destroyed our two box shrubs. As a last resort to get rid of the pests, we cut them back hard, leaving just two bare stumps, and disposed of the cuttings.

I can see new growth coming from the stumps. Is it worth allowing the box to regrow, or is the caterpillar guaranteed to return now that it "knows" the box was there?

Posts

  • Aleksandra GrudkaAleksandra Grudka Posts: 10
    Hi. We had an infestation last year. I treated it with many potions and the caterpillars ‘left’. Quite possibly because there were no more leaves left! The box looked really miserable till last month. I have picked off all the woolly fuzz and the caterpillars last year and washed it with the most powerful setting on my hose, to wash away the eggs and left it to regenerate. This year, in May - I noticed a few familiar webs in between the leaves and a few caterpillars managed to appear overnight. However, Neem oil solution seems to have worked , as I have been using it as prevention. The plant looks almost ok now, with a few bare patches - photos attached. So , fingers crossed the second infestation might be preventable if you catch it early. Good luck! 
  • davidhuntdavidhunt Posts: 7
    Thanks for sharing that experience and advice! I'll keep an eye out for any signs of return and try to head it off.  :)
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Look out for the moths as they will be laying the eggs that become voracious caterpillars.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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