Sandy from Harvard, Il writes
Although Box Tree Moths are not listed as a controlled pest on the product label for Captain Jacks Deadbug Brew Concentrate, the Penn State Extension article here indicates that the active ingredient Spinosad in Captain Jacks Deadbug Brew Concentrate has been used to control this pest in Europe. Another recommendation for controlling young caterpillars and other caterpillars would be horticultural oil, insecticidal soaps or biopesticides. Adequate coverage can be difficult to achieve as the young caterpillars feed only on the undersides of leaves and older caterpillars are protected by silken retreats. Non chemical methods when infestations are small, hand-picking caterpillars and disposing of them in soapy water is likely going to be an effective solution. When caterpillars are small, it is possible to knock them off plants with a strong jet of water, which kills many of them as they are unable to climb back up the plant before starving. For recommendations on treating Box Moths in your county/region, we recommend contacting your Cooperative Extension Office for their advise on treatments that have shown to be successful in your area.
Answer last updated on: 06/07/2021
