Boxwood borer threatens NRW gardens: How to defend yourself!

Boxwood borer threatens NRW gardens: How to defend yourself!

The boxwood borer (Cydalima Perspectalis), a butterfly from the Crambidae family, is an increasingly threatening plague in North Rhine-Westphalia. Experts warn that the caterpillars could cause great damage in gardens again this year. They not only eat the leaves, but also the green bark of the branches, which leads to the death of the box trees, which often occur in gardens, parks and cemeteries.

The damage caused by this pest are serious. Symptoms of an infestation are feeding traces of leaves, bare spots and the typical white sprinkles that protect the caterpillars from natural predators and make control difficult. According to natur-forum , the ecological and economic importance of these pests should not be underestimated, since they also cause crop losses and financial losses for plant breeders.

control measures

The fight against the boxwood borer requires a comprehensive procedure. Experts recommend removing the caterpillars manually and cutting the infected branches back. Plant residues should be disposed of in residual waste, not on the compost or in the bio bin. In addition, natural enemies such as sparrows and fence lizards can contribute to biological control.

biological pesticides, such as neem oil or special pheromone traps that help to recognize an infestation at an early stage, are also effective. The targeted surveillance on barriers and the use of pheromone traps can be crucial to control the spread of the pest. These measures are of great importance to maintain the vitality and attractiveness of the box trees, according to the Garden academies .

Overall, it becomes clear that regular control and quick reaction to an infestation are necessary in order to curb the spread of the boxwood borer in NRW and to avoid long -term damage to the plants.