Box tree caterpillars are the larvae of a moth that feeds on box (Buxus) plants. It is native to East Asia and became established in Europe in 2007. Although the first adult moth arrived in Britain in 2007, followed by several moths to light traps in 2008, caterpillars were not found in private gardens until 2011 in the home counties.

Box tree caterpillars are a serious threat to box (Buxus) plants – they can completely defoliate them, ruining prized topiary and native box hedges. Box tree caterpillars are a relatively new pest. Native to east Asia, they're thought to have hitched a ride on imported plants to Europe, where they were first spotted in 2007.

Feb 21, 2024 · Follow this step-by-step guide to banish box caterpillars this summer. What Is Box Caterpillar? Box caterpillars are the larvae stage of the box tree moth, so they are also commonly known as box tree moth caterpillars. The box caterpillar is a …

Apr 29, 2022 · The box moth, Cydalima perspectalis, and its caterpillars quickly destroy box plants. Here's how to combat these pests.

Jan 28, 2025 · Keep your box (buxus) hedges and topiary safe with the best box caterpillar treatments, plus box blight and box sucker advice.

May 22, 2024 · Unlike the toxic caterpillars that terrorise UK gardens, box tree caterpillars aren’t harmful to humans or pets. However, they can feed on your box plants and can turn what was once a beautiful hedge or topiary tree into something you can’t stand to look at.

As no statutory action is being taken on UK findings of Cydalima perspectalis, there is no longer a requirement to report new findings of this pest to the relevant competent authority.

Box tree caterpillar (Cydalima perspectalis) can turn a box plant completely leafless. The moths of this caterpillar were first seen in the UK in 2008 and caterpillars in private gardens here in 2011.

A relatively new insect pest to Britain is attacking box (Buxus sempervirens) plants. From intricate topiary shapes, formal hedges to wild shrubs, Box tree moth caterpillars, feed on them all, and can often completely defoliate box plants within a matter of a few days.

Apr 16, 2018 · Learn about the history and reasons behind how the pest has ended up in the UK. Where is it? What Can I Do? Learn how to deal with and eliminate the hungry critters. How Did It Get Here? Since 2007 box moth caterpillars have been devastating parterres and other topiary in domestic, commercial and historic gardens across Europe.