It’s been a bad year…!
It’s another bumper year for Ragwort growth helped by the dry weather and the cutbacks in maintenance budgets the yellow peril is everywhere.
One of the ways that Ragwort is kept in check is the Cinnabar moth. When the Ragwort is everywhere there are probably very few Cinnabar moths. As the moths breed due to prolific Ragwort then the caterpillars feed on the plant and the Ragwort population decreases.
Once the Ragwort decreases there is less for the moth to feed on and the insects die back. Once the insect’s dies back, the Ragwort begins to increase in numbers….and we start all over again…an interesting circle of life!
It is possible to buy the wonderful Cinnabar moths on line if you have the patience to wait while the little fella’s munch their way through your problem.
For more practical advice please give us a call – 0161 723 2000.
Mike C
