How to Get Rid of Box Tree Caterpillars

Box tree caterpillars are a common problem for box plants and hedges across the UK. They can quickly eat through the leaves, leaving your hedge brown, patchy and damaged. While there are ways to control them, infestations can return and require regular treatment. In many cases, our recommendation is to remove badly affected box plants and replace them with a more suitable alternative.

What is a box tree caterpillar?

The box tree caterpillar is the larva of the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis). It comes from East Asia and was first found in the UK in 2007. It is now widespread across the country.

The caterpillars feed on box plants (Buxus) and can cause serious damage if left untreated.

How do I know if I have box tree caterpillars?

Common signs include:

• Caterpillars hiding in the leaves

• Webbing around the plant

• Chewed or missing leaves

• Green caterpillar droppings

• Brown or bare patches

• Shed caterpillar skins

Check your box plants regularly, especially from spring through autumn.

How do I get rid of box tree caterpillars?

There are a few ways to manage box tree caterpillars, including removing them by hand,

using pheromone traps and applying suitable treatments.

However, these methods may only provide temporary control. Caterpillars can return,

meaning ongoing monitoring and treatment may be needed.

Our recommendation: remove affected box plants

If your box hedge has a serious or ongoing infestation, we recommend removing the

affected plants.

Removing the box eliminates the food source for the caterpillars and means you don't have to keep treating and monitoring the hedge.

The removed box can then be replaced with an alternative hedge plant that is not affected by box tree caterpillars.

For smaller or early infestations, you may prefer to try control methods first. But if your box hedge has been badly damaged or repeatedly attacked, replacement is often the simplest long-term solution.

Will my box hedge recover?

Box plants can recover from significant caterpillar damage once the infestation is controlled.

However, repeated attacks can weaken the plant and cause serious damage.

If your box is already badly affected, consider whether it is worth continuing to treat it or

whether replacement would be a better long-term option.

Need help removing your box hedge?

If your box hedge has been affected by box tree caterpillars, we can help.

As industry professionals, we can safely remove the affected plants and help you choose a suitable replacement for your garden.

Get in touch today to discuss your box hedge and find out how we can help.