Do Boxwoods Attract Flies and How to Prevent Damage

Boxwoods are a popular choice for hedges and topiaries, but they can be a magnet for flies. This is due to the fact that boxwoods produce nectar-rich flowers that attract hoverflies, also known as flower flies, which are a common source of fly infestations.

Boxwoods are particularly susceptible to fly damage when they're in bloom, typically from spring to early summer. During this time, the plants are more attractive to flies, which can lay eggs on the leaves and stems.

To prevent damage, it's essential to keep your boxwoods well-watered and fertilized, as stressed plants are more vulnerable to fly infestations. Regular pruning can also help reduce the number of flowers and nectar-rich areas, making the plant less appealing to flies.

For your interest: Eagles Fly Bed Breakfast

Boxwoods are a magnet for flies, especially during peak growing seasons.

Flies are attracted to the sweet, sticky substance produced by boxwoods, known as honeydew.

This sticky substance is a result of aphids feeding on the boxwood's sap, which can occur when the plant is under stress or has poor air circulation.

Poor air circulation around boxwoods can lead to fungal diseases, which in turn attract flies.

Flies are also drawn to the boxwood's flowers, which bloom in the spring and are rich in nectar.

Flies lay their eggs in the soil surrounding boxwoods, where the larvae can feed on decaying plant matter and other organic materials.

Boxwood Leafminers are a major pest of boxwood shrubs, and they're not just a minor annoyance - they can cause significant damage.

These tiny insects, which look like small orange mosquitoes, emerge in early spring and only live for about a day to mate and lay eggs. They don't all emerge on the same day but over about two weeks, often swarming around boxwood bushes.

The female Boxwood Leafminer uses her stinger-like "ovipositor" to insert fertilized eggs into the underside of new growth of boxwood leaves. She uses a lot of precision because the eggs are laid between the upper and lower leaf surfaces of the leaves.

A unique perspective: Green Velvet Boxwood Planting

Infested leaves are usually smaller and are an olive-green color, contrasting with the normal dark green foliage of healthy boxwoods. In some cases, the leaves can drop off and expose woody branches, which isn't the look anyone wants.

There is only one generation of Boxwood Leafminers per year, and they overwinter inside infested leaves as larvae, emerging as adults in early spring. Heavily infested boxwoods will drop their leaves in the fall or the following spring.

If you notice your boxwoods looking pretty ragged in late March into early April, it's likely due to the activity of the Boxwood Leafminer.

For more insights, see: Can You Trim Boxwoods in the Spring