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Box tree caterpillar attack!

Jackie-HJackie-H Posts: 9
in Problem solving
Hi, any help anyone can give would be much appreciated. My box hedges, and buxus in containers, were attacked by these last year. I tried removing by hand, but they kept reappearing, literally loads of them. In dispair, I ended up using an insecticide (which I have never used in garden before). Anyway, to get to my question. They are back! The hedges are growing really well, lots of long lime green new growth. I was going to shape up in August, but this morning I've found a big patch of the blighters. Should I cut back the new growth now so I can get a better look at the remaining ones and destroy those in the cuttings. Help, I don't want to loose my box 

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    If they're back you may have to change your mind on keeping the boxes. I got rid 90% of mine as it seemed the only way to control effectively was to spray them. Not worth the heartache and many alternatives are available. I'm growing a small accent hedge out of Euonymus japonicus Microphyllus instead of box and has been very nice an alternative. Trying to bend nature to our will is sometimes unwise. 

    There are hormone traps that attract the caterpillar but again more expense and with unproven long-term results. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Jackie-HJackie-H Posts: 9
    Thanks for your reply. Trouble is, we were planning to move this spring before the pandemic put paid to that. The hedge is in the front garden and I won't have time to establish anything else before we're (hopefully) able to put the house on the market. Looks like I've got a battle on my hands. 
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Get some spray and use it, then, as it's a temporary solution. On the other hand, how big is this hedge that you think would affect the saleability? You could get some well sized Euonymus plants a(2ltr pots) replace them if it's not a massive area to cover. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Jackie-HJackie-H Posts: 9
    I'll try and eradicate, and if I fail, I could go with your suggestion, thank you. Watch this space... 
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Why can't there be such a pest for Leylandii instead of something as nice as box?
  • Jackie-HJackie-H Posts: 9
    So true Dirty Harry 😅.

     I felt so mean yesterday squashing caterpillars 🙄
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