BOX tree moth caterpillars have been causing destruction in Worcestershire gardens. 

An infestation of box tree caterpillars, potentially following the recent warm spell, has been spotted in the county - even in some homes - leaving gardeners with a battle to save their hedges. 

The pesky caterpillars are known for devouring box hedging and topiary and even capable of stripping bark.

A sure sign you have them is trees and hedges will suddenly develop brown or fallen leaves.

Cobweb-like webbing, which is produced as the caterpillar feeds, will also develop. 

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said: "Increasingly common in gardens, box caterpillars can completely defoliate box plants.

"Though relatively new to Britain, it has spread widely across England."

The RHS is encouraging anyone with sightings to report them at rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/box-tree-caterpillar.