The boxwood has recently become a popular destination for wasps. Here, amazing activities can be observed in the evergreen foliage. Read here why wasps live in boxwood. This is how you react correctly now.
Why are there wasps in the boxwood and what to do?
Wasps in the boxwood are usually hunting for boxwood moth caterpillars and do not cause any damage. Instead, they help to detect and prevent caterpillar infestations. Leave wasps undisturbed and rely on natural, wasp-friendly plant care.
Why are there wasps in the boxwood?
Wasps in the boxwood are on the hunt forBoxwood moth caterpillars. Wasps have recently discovered the voracious caterpillars as a food source.
Box tree moths are butterflies originating from Asia that were introduced to Central Europe at the beginning of the 21st century. The caterpillars of the box tree moth are feared pests and can eat a box tree bare. Ancient, mighty boxwood hedges fell victim to the infestation of the borer. Fighting it was extremely difficult for many years. There were no predators around until hobby gardeners were able to observe the first wasps hunting for borers in the boxwood.
Can wasps cause damage to boxwood?
Wasps dono damageto the boxwood. On the contrary, the presence of the insects in a boxwood hedge provides an important indication of the infestation of boxwood moth caterpillars. In this way, wasps make a valuable contribution toprevention, because you can use home remedies against borer infestation in good time, such as high-pressure cleaners (€105.00 on Amazon) and neem oil.
What can you do if there are wasps in the boxwood?
It's best to leave wasps in the boxwoodundisturbedand pay particular attention to natural,Wasp-friendly plant care. This is what you can do if you discover wasps in the boxwood:
- Do not drive away wasps.
- Do not fight boxwood borers and other pests with poison.
- Set up an insect hotel near the boxwood tree.
- Do not remove wasp nests in boxwood or boxwood hedge.
- Make your garden wild bee-friendly.
- Set up a seat and a set table at a safe distance from the boxwood.
Tip
Birds like to eat boxwood moth caterpillars
In the search for new food sources, local birds have realized that juicy boxwood moth caterpillars are easy-to-prey protein snacks for their offspring. Boxwood hedges with a high level of infestation are literally besieged by sparrows, great tits, redstarts and chaffinches, which are useful as borer hunters. Starlings and ravens also do not disdain the nutritious caterpillars. By hanging nesting boxes in the garden, you invite the feathered borer hunters to linger.
