Box Tree Moth Caterpillar - (Steinernema Feltiae/Carpocapsae mix)

The box tree moth has become one of the most damaging pests affecting Buxus (box hedging), particularly across the South of England. Its larvae feed rapidly on foliage, causing severe defoliation and dieback within days. Parasitic nematodes offer an effective, natural way to reduce caterpillar numbers and protect your box plants.

You can read the full application instructions HERE.

Spotting the pest

Look out for webbing on foliage, caterpillars on or inside the plant, and yellow eggs on the underside of leaves. The adult moth is brown.

How to control

Remove as many caterpillars as possible by hand, along with heavily webbed leaves. Apply nematodes when air temperature is 12°C or above — there are two generations of box tree moth per year, so treatments in spring and mid-summer are recommended.

For best results, apply three treatments two weeks apart at each treatment time. Packs keep in the fridge for 2–3 weeks, so there's no need to buy all doses at once.

RHS endorsed: Stephanie Bird, RHS Entomologist, confirmed that nematodes considerably reduce larvae numbers and are "a useful addition to the gardener's armoury for control of box moth caterpillar".

If you spot this pest, the RHS would appreciate a sighting report via their survey here.

Please note: biological controls are ordered fresh and are not always held in stock. There may be a short lead time between ordering and despatch.