Damage:
Young box hedge moth caterpillars rasp green tissue from leaf undersides so the leaves appear peeled. Older larvae skeletonise entire leaves. Persistent feeding weakens box, causes unsightly brown patches, and may kill weak plants.
Preventing Problems:
Carefully inspect new box hedging before planting them because this pest has secretly spread in nurseries.
Managing Outbreaks:
Wrap the end of a stick with outward-facing tape and use it to loosen and gather actively feeding caterpillars by swirling up webbing with the sticky end.