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A very hungry invasive caterpillar could spell the end for box hedging across the Channel Islands and further afield, with local institutions noting an increase in the size of the population.
The box tree caterpillar – or box moth – is an Asian species that feeds on Buxus, laying eggs on the foliage. It was introduced to Europe by accident and has now spread across the continent. It has only been recorded in Britain and Guernsey for around a decade.
Causing most of its damage between March and October, the species can destroy a box ball hedge within a week if action is not taken.
Trevor Bourgaize, President of La Société Guernesiaise, said he feared that the insect isn’t one “that can be controlled”. He has now removed box hedging from his garden to attract more insects.
“It arrived in Guernsey in 2014 when one was recorded, the next sighting was not until 2018, and numbers have grown exponentially since then. Numbers are swelled by immigration in the autumn and up to 100 can be attracted to a light in one night,” Mr Bourgaize noted.
“Controls have been attempted but with little success.”
The increasing presence of the pest has also been acknowledged by the States.
“We first became aware of the occasional box tree moth approximately four years ago but this year it appears to have become established locally and is causing damage to box across the island,” said Linda Archard, Principal Analyst/Crop Biologist from the States’ Analytical Laboratory.
She said anyone can approach the lab to get professional advice on how to deal with the pest.
“The advice we provide regarding the box tree moth is dependent on the specific circumstances and often involves several approaches, but we always start with the option which carries the least environmental damage.”
The box tree caterpillar is causing similar problems in Jersey this year.
Pictured: The box moth.
Speaking to the Jersey Evening Post, environmentalist Bob Tompkins said: “Unfortunately we are going to see the demise of an awful lot of box hedges. It could mean the end of box hedges in Jersey.
“We’re going to have to learn to live with this invasive species. Once it is here, there is very little you can do about it.”
Official advice for managing the species includes:
“All professional products mentioned will need to be applied by someone holding the relevant certificate in the safe use of pesticides as per Guernsey laws,” Ms Archard added.
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