Content
- Recognize miner moth on the Thuja and fight
- Minier Moth harms the Thuja sustainably
- Detecting infestation by Thuja Minier Moth
- First measures to combat the pest
- What means are there against miner moths?
- Tips
If the thuja turns brown, it can be the result of miner moth infestation
Recognize miner moth on the Thuja and fight
Miner moths are the most dangerous pests that can haunt a thuja. If a hedge infestation is not treated promptly, it may cause the tree of life to completely die. This is how you recognize and fight an infestation of the Minier Moth on your Thuja.
Minier Moth harms the Thuja sustainably
There are two miner moths that infest the Tree of Life: Thuja Miner's Moth (Argyresthia thuiella) and Juniper Miner's Moth (Argyresthia trifasciata). Both are closely related, but different in that the moths fly at different times and lay their eggs.
The Juniper Moth has white-speckled wings and flies from May to June, the Thujaminiermotte is brown-winged and occurs from June to July.
Detecting infestation by Thuja Minier Moth
Any discoloration of the shoot tips of the Thuja should catch your attention. When the tips turn brown, examine them closely. The following signs indicate an attack by miner moths:
First measures to combat the pest
If your Thuja is attacked by miner moths, you must take action immediately, especially if a whole hedge is affected. Cut off all affected shoots and dispose of them in the household waste - not in the compost! You can also burn them.
In severe infestations, the pruning must be very strong, but must not be up to the old wood.
The use of sprays is required only in case of a very strong occurrence. In order for the fight to be successful, spray once in June or July to catch the moths directly. A second treatment takes place when the caterpillars have hatched.
What means are there against miner moths?
Trade has a range of resources to combat miner moths. Even as non-dangerous for bees excellent means must be used sparingly, as they pollute the environment.
An ecological fight is possible by stinging nettle. For this you have to start a kilo of fresh stinging nettles (without flowers!) For at least two weeks in a barrel with ten liters of water. The brew can then be sprayed directly and undiluted.
However, you should not underestimate the odor nuisance for the neighbors.
Tips
The instinctual death of the Thuja can also be triggered by a fungal attack. The shoots are also brown, but are not eroded, unlike a pest infestation.