Neem oil has already reliably driven one or two well-known plant pests out of the garden. But what chance does this natural remedy have against countless large, fat boxwood moth caterpillars? Gardeners who have already used the oil only tell us good things.
How do I fight boxwood borer with neem oil?
DiluteDilute the neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. SprayingMake your infected boxwood dripping wet. RepeatRepeat the procedure two more times at approximately one week intervals. From Marchyou can spray the neem oil solution regularlypreventive.
How does neem oil work against boxwood borers?
Even small amounts, a few milliliters per liter of water, have a comprehensive effect against the box tree moth (cydalima perspectalis). Because the box is completely wetted with the solution, the larvae have to come into contact with the oil, which doesn't end well for them.
- Hormonal system is disrupted
- Airways are blocked,
- Active ingredient azadirachtin inhibits the urge to eat
The damage listed will lead tothe affected caterpillars dying over time.
When can I spray neem oil against boxwood borer?
TheDay should be overcast, so neither sunny nor rainy. Rain washes the solution off the boxwood leaves so it has no effect. Intense sunlight combined with the droplets of the solution can cause leaf burns. If there is a large infestation, it is also advisable to first collect as many caterpillars as possible or rinse them out of the bush with a high-pressure cleaner.
Where can I get neem oil?
Neem oil, often spelled neem oil, is readily available in this country. You can find it inpharmacies, hardware stores, garden centersand oftenon the Internet In order for pure neem oil to mix well with water, an emulsifier must be added Example Rimulgan. But there are also ready-to-use mixtures that already contain an emulsifier.
Does neem oil have undesirable effects on nature?
The neem oil does not harm the treated plants. However, it is reported thatsome beneficial insectssuch as lacewings or waspsreact sensitively to it.
How can neem oil have a preventive effect?
Boxwood moths do not like the smell of neem oil. They do not fly to a box tree that has been sprayed with it to lay their eggs there. As a result, no voracious larvae hatch in the preventatively treated box. However, the preventative spraying must be donein Marchfor the first time andrenewed regularly.
Tip
Be sure to use a pressure sprayer for the neem solution
Caterpillars of the boxwood moth wrap the branches of the boxwood in fine webs. Only if you use a pressure spray bottle will the neem oil solution not largely roll off, but rather reach the caterpillars, which are located inside the crown, especially in the early stages of an infestation.