Box Tree Caterpillar Tops The Vine Weevil Again!

The RHS today released the top 10 garden pests, as searched for by their members throughout 2019. The Box Tree Caterpillar remained in the number one spot after another year of expansion here in the U.K, a trend which looks set to continue. These figures are backed up by data at Dragonfli with our Box Tree Caterpillar Moth Pheromone Trap sales increasing year on year.

The Alder Leaf Beetle has made an appearance on the list for only the second time, a metallic green beetle which feeds on Alder leaves. It has been speculated that milder conditions in the UK have encouraged the re-emergence of this species, which will come as a concern for gardeners.

We have taken this opportunity to provide you with some quick links to our natural products and solutions for the control of each pest. As always if you need any further help or advice you can always Ask Our Expert.

The Top Ten List & The Available Control Methods

1. Box Tree Caterpillar

Available Controls:

1. Nematodes to kill Box Tree Caterpillars
2. Box Tree Moth Pheromone Traps to disrupt mating
3. Biostimulants to strengthen plant resistance to pest damage

2. Vine Weevil

Available Controls:

1. Nematodes to kill Vine Weevil larvae in the soil

3. Slugs & Snails

Available Controls:

1. Nematodes to kill Slugs
2. Organic Slug Pellets

4. Fuchsia Gall Mite

Available Controls:

1. Amblyseius andersonipredatory mites to find and kill gall mites

5. Alder Leaf Beetle

Available Controls:

1. Nematodes may work on the larvae but trials have yet to be conducted.

6. Woolly Aphid

Available Controls:

1. Ladybird larvae for outdoor treatment
2. Lacewing larvae for indoor and outdoor treatment
3. Ladybird adults for indoor and greenhouse treatment

7=. Rosy Apple Aphid

Available Controls:

1. Labybird larvae for outdoor treatment
2. Ladybird adults for indoor and greenhouse treatment

7=. Viburnum Beetle

Available Controls:

1. Nematodes to kill Viburnum Beetle larvae

9. Spider Mite

Available Controls:

1. Full collection of Dragonfli predators available to tackle any size spider mite infestation

10. Plum Leaf-Curling Aphid

Available Controls:

1. Labybird larvae for outdoor treatment
2. Ladybird adults for indoor and greenhouse treatment

As always at Dragonfli we strive to find the natural solutions for all your pest problems, and as such are currently undertaking trials to deal specifically with Alder Leaf Beetle. Keep your eyes out for future updates in this area!