Gardeners are being warned to protect against an invasion of an 'increasingly destructive' insect returning to gardens this April. Experts say the box tree moths cause 'serious damage' to boxwood hedges, the type commonly used for garden borders and topiary designs. The bug can leave lush shrubs looking brown, brittle and 'irreparable' in just a few weeks, according to pest control experts .
They told April is the 'critical time to take action' to stop box tree moths before they can wreak havoc. Pest-Stop said: "As April arrives, and the sunshine finally returns, across the UK are being warned to stay alert for an increasingly destructive pest - the box tree moth.
Known for causing serious damage to boxwood hedges, used frequently for borders and topiary designs, this invasive species can leave lush shrubs brown, brittle and irreparable in a matter of weeks."
Pest control expert Sophie Thorogood said: "April is the beginning of the box tree moth's lifecycle here in the UK," says Sophie.
"As temperatures rise, adult moths emerge and begin laying their eggs on the underside of box tree leaves."
"Within days, the eggs hatch into hungry caterpillars that feed voraciously on foliage, often unnoticed until the damage is done.
"By the time webbing becomes visible, the infestation is usually well underway," Sophie warns. "That's why early monitoring is key."
To reduce the risk of irreversible damage from box tree moths, gardeners should inspect their box trees regularly, especially during spring and summer. Key signs include:
To help protect your garden without reaching for harsh chemicals, Sophie recommends using a moth trap - a reusable, pesticide-free trap that uses a pheromone lure to attract and capture male moths.
"By trapping male moths early in the season, you interrupt the breeding cycle and stop the next generation before it even begins," she explains.
"It's a safe and sustainable way to monitor activity and reduce infestations before the larvae cause significant damage."
The RHS says box tree moths are not native to the UK. Originally from Asia, they were first spotted in the UK in 2007, and since then their numbers have only increased.
The RHS adds: "Check box plants frequently from early spring onwards before any overwintering caterpillars become large enough to cause noticeable damage
"Where practical, caterpillars should be removed by hand.
"Between 2015 and 2016, over 800 records of the moth were received. This jumped to over 3,000 in 2017 and since 2018 have remained at more than 5,000 a year. The box tree moth is now considered to be a "common resident", being widely distributed across England, particularly the south-east. It is also present in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"Where it has become impractical to control box tree caterpillar, consider using a different hedge or topiary plant."
