Box blight??

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Millie16, Mar 22, 2025.

  1. Millie16

    Millie16 Apprentice Gardener

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    I’ve looked on here & tried searching elsewhere but I can’t find any clear photos that show a contrast between box blight & the box caterpillar damage.

    I’m thinking this is a bad case of blight? I don’t IMG_3825.jpeg see any caterpillars or webs but maybe it’s too early for them?
     
  2. Millie16

    Millie16 Apprentice Gardener

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    The things that look like webs are dead leaves from near by trees btw !
     
  3. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    It could be too early to tell. The caterpillars wrap themselves in webbing and you might find them in curled up leaves.
     
  4. AnniD

    AnniD Gardener

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    The caterpillars are extremely adept at hiding, believe me I know !
    I think they generally don't appear until April/May, but depending on where you live they could have started early.

    Has this damage appeared recently ?
     
  5. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    That's last years caterpillar damage.
    A picture of mine today.
    20250322_150334.jpg
    There are no visible caterpillars now, it's too early.
     
    • Informative Informative x 2
    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      So an excellent time to give them a preventative spray of BT if you can get hold of it. Especially if you're having a dry spell.
       
    • Millie16

      Millie16 Apprentice Gardener

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      An update on the box plants I have taken some clearer photos. The stems look like something has chewed at them but I still can’t see any caterpillars, or is this what box blight does to the stems? I’m just interested to find out if there’s a definite way to tell if they’ve been ravaged by blight or caterpillars! Either way they look rough.
       

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    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      Hi, I don't think that blight would have that effect. Caterpillars or possibly small snails?
       
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • Millie16

        Millie16 Apprentice Gardener

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        Thank you noisette47 I too think it looks like nibbles! I need a close up picture of blight box stalks now to compare!
         
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