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Weds on privet

kermit the frogkermit the frog Posts: 23
in Plants
Hi all. I have some strange type webs over the privet. Can't see any spiders or bugs on it. Just looks like the bush is drying up but has some new shoots on it. Wondering if there is a catapila laying these webs. 

Any help will be great. 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Photo might help

  • kermit the frogkermit the frog Posts: 23

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Are you sure it is not a Buxus instead of Privet? It does look like a severe attack of Box tree Caterpillar. All that webbing is a tell-tale sign.
  • kermit the frogkermit the frog Posts: 23
    Bingo Buxus yes that's the one. I thought there was a catapillar. Ummm how do I treat it. Will this bug kill the Buxus if nit treated 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Box caterpillars seem to be in huge numbers this year. 
    It's why a lot of people are giving up on box. If it's not blight, it's caterpillars!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    They are difficult to control. Even if you manage to rid them by picking off caterpillars, trimming and even spraying, as Fairygirl states, Box shrubs are not ideal at the moment. Particularly in the south east areas, your shrub will be very susceptible.

    I don't usually give up on plants, but I think with this issue, you may find yourself fighting a long hard battle. There are so many leaves and then potential eggs hiding behind leaves and stems, it will be an on-going battle. 
  • kermit the frogkermit the frog Posts: 23
    That's a shame. The plant has been hear for many many year's. The spiders seem to love linking there webs to it and then to the beam that holds the porch. Really dont want to loose the plant. Thanyou all for the advise 

  • kermit the frogkermit the frog Posts: 23
    found a couple of thd catapillars doing the damage. Was going to get some spray to kill them off but think I will let nature do what it must do. 
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