08/08/2025
Cydalima perspectalis - The box tree moth
Lays its eggs in box hedging ( all buxus really) and onnhatching out the caterpillars will cause huge damage to the plant.
This is an invasive species.
I have noticed a lot of damage caused by the box moth caterpillar around Oakley and the surrounding villages, please be vigilant and know that there are treatments available to help.
In the last week i have seen new hatchings of the caterpillar, they are usually around in September but are early this year so watch out and protect your hedging!
The following royal horticultural society link will provide further info and pictures of what to look for.
Please feel free to get in touch for advice or help!
Increasingly common in gardens, box caterpillar can completely defoliate box plants. Though relatively new to Britain, it has spread widely across England – particularly London and surrounding areas – and has reached the rest of the UK and Ireland.