UK Gardeners Warned To Look For 'Webs' On Their Hedge Before It's Too Late

Box tree moth caterpillarThough cobwebs on your grass might be happy signs that pest-controlling house and labyrinth spiders are thriving on your lawn, ecologists at Arbtech.co.uk have warned gardeners to keep an eye out for “webbing” on hedge leaves. This can sometimes look like the harmless strands of a spider, they say, but could reveal the presence of the box tree moth caterpillar. These, the pros say, “might look harmless, but they’re an invasive species that can strip a healthy plant in no time – and because they often feed from the inside out, many people don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s too late”. What is a box tree moth caterpillar and how does it damage hedges?The box tree moth caterpillar is the larva of the box tree moth. Originating from East Asia, the species first showed up in the UK in 2007. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), it’s especially prevalent in the south-east of England. They eat the leaves of box (Buxus) plants, which are commonly used in hedges, and create webbing over their feeding area. The larvae, which can also chew through bark, also hide in a cocoon of webbing that rests between twigs and leaves. That’s why Arbtech is “urging homeowners to check their plants regularly over the summer months” and to “look for tell-tale signs like leaf loss, or green-and-black striped caterpillars”.They add that “webbing in the centre of the plant – often mistaken for spider silk – is a common sign”. There might also be black pellets (droppings) present around the base of the plant or within the foliage.What should I do if I notice box tree caterpillar moths?If you can, the RHS says you should consider removing the caterpillars by (gloved) hand.Arbtech says you should do a weekly check for these critters, which are 2-4cm long and are “bright green with black heads and thick black and white stripes running down their bodies”.Bag up and dispose of any affected clippings, the ecologists add, and try not to prune box hedges excessively. Doing so leads to the growth of new, tender shoots; which the box moth caterpillar loves to eat. Related...The 5 Cupboard Staples To Keep Rats Out Of Your Garden (And Home)UK Gardeners Urged To Swap Weedkiller Sprays For This 1-Ingredient MethodThe 2 Overlooked Insects Your Garden Could Save From Extinction

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