15 Mar The Destruction Ermine Moths Can Cause To Hedge Plants
Hedge plants are a favourite food for the caterpillars of the moth or ermine. The caterpillars eat the plant as they molt and turn into adults, and then fly off to lay their eggs on other hedge plants. When caterpillars of the ermine moth hatch, they feast on your garden. They can kill off young trees and shrubbery. They will also chew up the leaves and stems of your older hedges. In this article, you will know the destruction ermine moths can cause to hedge plants.
Ermine Moths Control and the Effect on Hedges
Ermine moths are a destructive pest of evergreen trees, shrubs, and hedges. You can find them throughout the UK and will often live in gardens or parks where there are plenty of deciduous trees.
Most people know the caterpillars of ermine moths for their voracious appetite for the leaves of deciduous trees, shrubs, and hedges. The caterpillars tunnel in the leaves, leaving unsightly holes and causing a lot of damage to your plants.
How to Get Rid of Ermine Moths in Your Garden
Ermine moths get not considered a major pest by any means, but they can cause some damage to your hedges if left unchecked. They can also become an annoyance when they invade your home or yard. To keep them under control, you will need to employ several methods at once. The most effective way to kill ermine moths is with the use of natural pesticides. How to get rid of ermine moths.
1. Remove the Caterpillars
One of the most effective ways to keep ermine moths from returning is to remove their food source. The adult ermine moth will lay eggs on the leaves of your plants, and when they hatch, the caterpillars will feed on them. If you are diligent about picking off the caterpillars, you can eliminate many potential problems before they start. Be sure to pick them off when they are small, and before they have time to cause damage.
2. Use Beneficial Insects
One of the best ways to keep ermine moths from eating your plants is to introduce natural predators into your garden. Ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and green lacewings all love caterpillars as much as you do, so it makes sense that these bugs will also help control their population in your garden.
3. Apply Bt
Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is a bacteria that can be applied to your plants to help control ermine moth caterpillars. You will want to apply it as soon as you see the first signs of infestation in order for it to be most effective. If you don’t have access to Bt or would rather not use it, you can also try sprinkling cayenne pepper on your plants instead.