The Box Tree Moth Arrives in the U.S
The box tree moth is a serious invasive pest native to East Asia. This species was introduced into Europe in 2007, spread to Canada in 2018, and as of May 2021, has made its way to the United States. Arriving on plants from Ontario, the box tree moth is now found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Like many invasives without a natural predator, infestations can easily continue to spread throughout neighboring states.
If your boxwoods have experienced boxwood blight (for which we have the effective ArborBuxus treatment available), understand that the devastation from the box tree moth is far worse. Box tree moths feed exclusively on boxwoods, eating the leaves as well as the bark. The young caterpillars feed on the undersides of leaves, which gives them a “peeled” appearance from the top. Older caterpillars consume the entire leaf except for the midrib. In addition to feeding damage, caterpillars web together leaves and construct silken retreats. Extensive feeding will quickly defoliate, damage, and even kill individual plants and entire plantings.
If your landscape includes boxwoods, call in the experts to scout for eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. SavATree’s treatments will help control populations before they get out of hand. Get in touch with an arborist now for a free consultation.
