I have 2 pyramidal boxwoods flanking the front entrance to my home. I am noticing its leaves turning yellow/brown and curling. Upon spreading its branches and looking within, I noticed cobwebs and 2 different looking insects (see 2 photos attached). If anyone has an insight into how I should treat them as I would be quite sad to lose them I would very much appreciate your time and effort. Thanks in advance.
That caterpillar is a box tree moth. It's a recent invasive and a species that's highly likely to damage boxwood. To fight that, use insecticides with cyper-metherin, delta-metherin, or pyre-metherin (pyre-m. Being a natural version derived from chrysanthemum.) Pheromone traps can also work. Most treatments affect only the caterpillars, so they may need to be re-applied. Apply thoroughly to get in and on all the shrub branches and leaves. You can aslo log the sighting on an insect tracking site like inaturalist to help researchers track and contain the invasion. The other insect is an earwig. They're usually harmless and mainly attracted to moisture
2 likesAnd if you want more natural caterpillar control, release some mantises. Like a lot of them. You want to get all those caterpillars
0 likesOh wow so a creature that takes on different forms (egg, caterpillar, moth) throughout its life cycle. Most helpful is the specific treatment via insecticides you have listed and traps to lure them away from plants. Thanks you I do deeply appreciate your effort replying to my plea for help (newbie here, but eager to learn and take action).
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