The box tree moth plague has been a tiresome topic among hobby gardeners since around 2007. Of course, many means and methods have been established to get rid of the pest. Can wasps also contribute to this? To a certain extent yes!
Wasps eat all kinds of caterpillars
The creative food procurement of wasps
One quickly gets upset about wasps given their often quite stubborn, offensive behavior at the coffee table in the garden. As is so often the case, this anger can also be turned into something positive with the right perspective. Because the industrious, insatiable way of the wasp workers to procure food can also be useful for the hobby gardener. Among other things, in the fight against the box tree moth.
In the first time after the unfortunate introduction of this moth from East Asia, it had free rein for its box tree-destroying activity. Because of course he hadn't taken his natural friends with him from his homeland. And our local fauna didn't seem interested in the immigrant at first.
Gradually, however, some species have discovered the thick, nutritious caterpillars of the borer as a welcome addition to their diet. Some birds, such as sparrows, are among the pioneers. But also wasps! Nature conservation organizations and private individuals have repeatedly researched and confirmed the preference of the black and yellow insects. So this is where their greedy, fearless nature pays off - and many a boxwood lover could make friends with them.
So remember:
- Wasps are not only keen on our treats on the garden table
- are also among the pioneers in discovering the box tree moth as a new food source
The little disappointment
The fact that wasps like to capture box tree moth caterpillars is good news. Unfortunately, the fight against the pest does not end there. As effectively as the wasps contribute to its decimation - they cannot eliminate a heavy infestation. In such a case, neem oil and co. must continue to serve.
Nevertheless, wasps can also act as a preventative: In contrast to the box tree moth caterpillars, the yellow and black striped wasps are easy to recognize in the dark green box leaves. If you regularly observe your bucket bush or your box tree hedge in spring, wasps sitting in it can be an indication of an infestation and you can take measures at an early stage.