06/05/2026
What have I learned about the box moth Caterpillar that I can share with you...
Your box hedges may look like they have lots of lush new growth at the minute but if you get down to take a closer look there is a very high chance that you will find it is infested with these caterpillars. Where you find one, you will find many!
So if you have box hedging or bushes can I suggest that you get out there and take a look.... These guys have been active for a few months now.
You find most of the damage starts on the sides or at the bottom of your shrubs. I think that is where the eggs are easily laid for the moth. The caterpillars hatch and start to work their way up the bushes from there. So you will often find the biggest caterpillars and often the chrysalis in the tops.
You will notice dead leaves. Damaged leaves. Silky cobwebbing, and if you see leaves stuck together then you are likely to find a caterpillar inside. How you dispatch them is up to you but picking them off by hand or squishing the leaves together is how I try to stay ahead. It does take dedication but he warned it doesn't take long for these guys to completely destroy your shrubs if left unchecked.
It becomes your new obsession...
