Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "The Box Moth is a caterpillar that is basically destroying all of the Boxwoods. It's eating them from the inside out," Chris Zeisz told WBEN Wednesday.
Zeisz, Manager of Russell's Tree & Shrub Farm in East Amherst, said the
invasive insect was first introduced about three years ago overseas. It then made it's way to Canada and the U.S.
The plants can be treated.
"There are different insecticides, but you have to spray them on a monthly basis. There are also moth traps you can put out. It attracts all of the male moths and disrupts their mating habits," added Zeisz.
He suggests after treating your tree, to fertilize it with 10-10-10 to promote growth.
Three years ago, when the Box Moth first appeared, Boxwoods were banned from being sold from Canada to the United States. The State Department of Environmental Conversation was monitoring it to keep it under control. But Zeisz said it's pretty much everywhere now.
"The caterpillars are very active at this time. Even if you don't have them now, this insect will find your Boxwood. It's unfortunate because Boxwoods are such a great plant. They're deer resistant. People are planting a lot of them. I know they're working heavily on it to find a natural predator that will take it out. But right now we just have to do the best with it."
If you see caterpillar nests in your tree, Zeisz advises that you treat it right away. It only takes about three days for the moth to destroy the entire plant.
"You can use a Bonide product called "Eight." It kills them immediately. There are also B.T. products. These will keep it under control, but it has to be a monthly application."