Gardening expert reveals DIY 24p hack to save plants from deadly UK moth invasion
A PLANT expert has revealed their 24p solution to tackling a deadly moth that is attacking box tree plants across the UK this summer.
The box tree moth, also known as the Cydalima perspectalis, has been every gardeners nightmare since arriving in the UK in 2007.
From April to October these invasive pests from East Asia devastate plants by swiftly reducing them from lush green to skeletal remains.
Adult box tree moths are identifiable by their white wings with brown borders, and their caterpillars are greenish-yellow with black heads.
They winter in box plant canopies and emerge in spring to cause chaos on gardens up and down the country.
Without some fast action these insects can quickly completely kill box plants and hedges, leaving your dream garden a devastated landscape.
Early signs of a box tree caterpillar infestation include clear webbing on plants.
Green thumb guru Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, revealed her effective and budget-friendly solution to protect your box plants from these greedy pests
She said: “Box tree moths are a serious problem, but there are simple, natural methods to keep them at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals.
“One effective strategy is to use garlic spray, which acts as a natural insect repellent.”
With a four-pack of fresh garlic costing just 95p, the savvy hack works out at no more than 24p a go.
Elise added: “Start with two cloves of garlic. Crush them and soak them in about 500ml of water overnight. In the morning, strain the mixture to remove the garlic pieces.
“Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and a few drops of dish soap to this garlic water.
“The oil helps the mixture stick to the leaves, and the soap helps to disperse it evenly.”
She continued: “Once you have your spray ready, pour it into a spray bottle and apply it directly onto your box plants.
“Make sure to cover the leaves thoroughly, especially on the undersides where pests tend to hide.
“Repeat this process every two weeks or after heavy rain to maintain its effectiveness. This garlic spray works by repelling the moths and caterpillars without harming the plants or the surrounding environment.
“It’s a safe and cost-effective method that can help keep your box plants healthy and vibrant.”
More tips for managing box tree moths
As well as using garlic spray, there are several other practical steps you can take to manage and prevent box tree moth infestations. Regular monitoring of your box plants, especially during the active months from April to October, is crucial.
- “Look out for signs of webbing or caterpillars, as early detection can prevent severe damage, Elise said. If you spot caterpillars, remove them by hand and destroy them to prevent further infestation.”
- Using pheromone traps can also be beneficial. These traps are useful for monitoring moth activity and can reduce the population by attracting and capturing male moths. Encouraging natural predators such as birds can help control the caterpillar population.
- “Consider adding bird feeders or bird-friendly plants to your garden to attract these helpful allies.”