HOW TO TREAT BOX TREE BORER WITH NATURAL PRODUCTS?
WHAT IS THE BOX TREE BORER? The box tree borer, also known by its scientific name Cydalima perspectalis, is a caterpillar native to Asia that first appeared in Europe in the 2000s. After its larval phase, this caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly feeding on boxwood leaves. Recognizable by its brown borders and white wings, this […]
WHAT IS THE BOX TREE BORER?
The box tree borer, also known by its scientific name Cydalima perspectalis, is a caterpillar native to Asia that first appeared in Europe in the 2000s. After its larval phase, this caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly feeding on boxwood leaves. Recognizable by its brown borders and white wings, this butterfly has been a real scourge for boxwood bushes and hedges for some years now. The caterpillars, hidden during the winter, generally emerge around March to feed until June, when they reach adulthood and begin their reproductive phase. Throughout the summer, they lay eggs which hatch into larvae, perpetuating their reproductive cycle. At Terrasse et Jardin de Paris, we don’t use chemicals to treat plants, and we don’t recommend their use.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE AFFECTED?
If your boxwood leaves are turning brown, drying out or falling off, it’s possible that your plant is affected by a caterpillar infestation. These green caterpillars can be observed on infested boxwood, leaving behind black, granular excrement on the leaves and surfaces beneath the affected boxwood. In addition, the presence of silk webs similar to those of spiders can also indicate boxwood borer infection. It’s important to take appropriate measures to control this infestation and protect your boxwood.
WHAT NATURAL SOLUTIONS CAN BE USED?
Black soap is very useful for box elder control, as it acts as a natural insecticide. In this situation, it’s practical to control box elder borer using pyrethrum as a natural insecticide. It can be mixed with water and sprayed directly onto the leaves. As black soap is a natural product, it enables effective treatment without the need for chemicals.
Neem oil: Another natural solution against box elder borer is the oil extracted from neem trees, generally found in India. The seeds are pressed to produce a highly fragrant oil that acts as a natural repellent against the borer. Neem oil works by disrupting the insects’ development, stunting their growth and hindering their ability to reproduce. To use it, dilute it with water and spray directly onto the leaves. You’ll need to wait a few days to see the results on your plants.
Insecticides containing bacillus thuringiensis or Bt: The treatment is generally used from March to October, again diluted in water. For best results, spray both sides of each leaf. As mentioned above, it takes a few days to see the first results. To increase your chances of success, repeat the operation regularly.
Garlic is an excellent natural repellent against many insects, including the box elder moth. Thanks to its insecticidal properties and strong scent, it disturbs insects and keeps them away from plants. It’s a simple, ecological and environmentally friendly solution. What’s more, garlic is readily available and inexpensive, making it a practical option for combating box elder infestation without resorting to chemicals. By using this method, you protect not only your box trees, but also the biodiversity of your garden.
The box tree borer poses a serious threat to the boxwood bushes in our gardens and green spaces. It is crucial to detect any infestation early on, so that effective measures can be put in place to combat the problem. We strongly recommend that you opt for the use of natural, ecologically responsible products to treat this phenomenon, thereby preserving biodiversity and preserve the environment.
