Vitax Box Tree Moth Trap

The Vitax Box Tree Moth Trap is a reusable pheromone monitoring and trapping system designed to help protect box (Buxus) plants from the damaging box tree caterpillar. It uses two pheromone lures to attract male box tree moths into the trap, interrupting the breeding cycle and providing an early warning of infestation, so timely control measures can be introduced before serious defoliation occurs.

Hang or site the trap close to box plants in late April, ideally at a height of around 1.5 m (5 ft), with one trap covering up to 200 m². The trap is suitable for use in ornamental gardens, around hedging, parterres, topiary, and container-grown box, and works well alongside other garden-friendly controls. It is a non-toxic, glue-free trap, so it is bird-friendly and safe for use in gardens where pets and other wildlife are present.

The Vitax Box Tree Moth Trap is supplied as a reusable trap with 12 weeks of pheromone lure included. The lure is housed inside the lid of the trap and releases pheromone gradually from its surface — it should not be pierced or opened. After six weeks, swap in the second lure and continue monitoring. The trap is pesticide-free and contains no glue, making it suitable for organic gardening and for use in gardens that attract beneficial insects.

How to Use

• When to set up: From mid- to late April, before the first flight of the season, and continue monitoring through to October. Peak moth activity is mid-July to the end of September.
• Position: Hang or place close to box plants, ideally at a height of around 1.5 m (5 ft). Use one trap for every 200 m² of box.
• Assembly: Clip and twist the clear base to engage the lugs with the upper green funnel. Add 1–2 cm of water to the base if desired, to drown captured moths.
• Lure placement: Remove a lure from its foil sachet, place it in the basket inside the lid, and seal with the cap. Do not pierce or open the lure.
• Inspection: Check the trap at least twice a week. If moths are present, inspect box plants for signs of infestation and act quickly.
• Lure replacement: Swap the lure every 6 weeks, and at the end of the season clean and store the trap for re-use next year with fresh refill lures.

Key Features

• Pheromone trap for monitoring and helping control box tree moths
• Protects up to 200 m² of box (Buxus) hedging, topiary, and parterres
• Bird-friendly, glue-free design — no harm to beneficial insects
• Pesticide-free and suitable for organic gardening
• Reusable trap with 12 weeks of pheromone lure included
• Low-cost refill lures available for ongoing seasonal use

Product Details

• Manufacturer's Reference: Box Tree Moth Trap
• EAN: 5012042040888
• Coverage: Up to 200 m² per trap
• Trap contents: 1 reusable trap plus 12 weeks of pheromone lure
• Product type: Moth Trap
• Form: Pheromone monitoring and trapping system
• Placement: Hang or site close to box plants at approx. 1.5 m (5 ft)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Vitax Box Tree Moth Trap do?
It uses a pheromone lure to attract male box tree moths into a reusable trap, helping to monitor activity and reduce breeding success. This provides an early warning of infestation so you can take timely control measures, and in minor infestations can help keep populations in check.

How many traps do I need for my garden?
Use one trap for every 200 m² of box plants. For a single hedge or small group of topiary, one trap is usually sufficient. For larger gardens with widely separated box plantings, position one trap close to each main area of box.

Is this trap safe for birds and other wildlife?
Yes. The trap is bird-friendly, glue-free, and contains no pesticides, so it will not harm birds, hedgehogs, or beneficial insects such as bees and ladybirds. It is suitable for use in organic gardening.

When should I put the trap out?
Set the trap up in mid- to late April, before the first generation of box tree moths flies, and leave it in place through to October. Peak activity is from mid-July to the end of September, when checking the trap at least twice a week is recommended.

How long does the lure last, and are refills available?
Each lure lasts around 6 weeks. The trap is supplied with two lures, giving 12 weeks of coverage. Low-cost refill lures are available separately, so the reusable trap can be deployed season after season.