HARLOW Museum has had an infestation of Box Moth.

Their regular gardener is away and they need to address it.

We think there might be infestations across Harlow. Bercroft residents have also reported infestations.

If anyone knows how to get rid of it, contact us at [email protected] and we will pass it on.

Searches online indicated the only product that truly controls box moth is Bacillus thuringiensis var Kurstaki, a natural bacterium (not a chemical insecticide) often sold as DiPel or Lepinox. Organic farmers use it to stop butterfly caterpillars demolishing their brassicas.

Although it used to be available in small sachets for gardeners’ use many years ago, subsequent tighter restrictions mean that, recently, it’s only been available to farmers and landscape professionals, with a caveat that training in the use of spraying is required. (This is sensible because DiPel kills all moth and butterfly cater- pillars, not just the ‘baddies’, so extremely disciplined and focused use is required.)

http://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens/get-rid-box-moth-caterpillars-177100