What Is Boxwood Tree Moth & BTK
Box Tree Moth is a serious pest infestation that is prevalent in Ontario and specifically our neighborhood.A product that helps remove Boxwood Tree Moth and reduce ongoing symptoms BTK. BTK is a biological insecticide stands for Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki. This product is specially made for caterpillars. It does not pose a threat to human health and only affects Boxwood plants (Buxus spp).
Signs:
- Box Tree caterpillars are green with black heads and can be found feeding on the leaves, stems, and branches of Boxwoods.
- Look for damaged leaves that have been eaten or skeletonized. Box tree moth caterpillars are voracious feeders and can quickly strip a plant of its foliage.
- As the caterpillars feed, they may leave behind silken webbing on the plant.
- Adult box tree moths have distinctive white wings with brown markings. They are most active during the summer months and are attracted to light.
Manual removal and chemical control methods are the two most effective means of treating Box Tree Moth. Adults, pupae, mature larvae and leaves with eggs on them can all be removed by hand and destroyed by placing them in soapy water, alcohol or an airtight sealable container. Early detection and intervention using a combination of control methods are key to preventing severe damage to your Boxwoods.
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (BTK) is a naturally occurring biological pesticide commonly used to control Box Tree Moth. It is safe for beneficial insects, birds, and humans; only affecting susceptible larvae.
Application:
Carefully read and follow the instructions provided on the product label. Apply BTK when the target larvae are actively feeding. This is typically during the early morning or late afternoon when larvae are most active. Thoroughly cover the infested area with the BTK solution, ensuring that all plant surfaces where larvae are present are adequately treated. Follow the recommended application frequency provided by the manufacturer or based on your observations of pest activity. In cases of extensive infestation, multiple applications of BTK may be necessary to achieve satisfactory results. The persistence of BTK in the environment can vary, necessitating frequent reapplication, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or intense sunlight.
APPLICATION RATE: Add 30 mL of concentrate to 10 litres of water. 10 L of spray solution will cover approximately 100 square metres. Spray all leaf surfaces thoroughly to provide good coverage without runoff. Repeat if required 7-10 days later
APPLICATION TIMING: Late April – Mid June & Early July – Mid August
