State inspectors have detected the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, in Frederick County, per a report from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
VDACS inspectors had already discovered and treated the invasive species in nearby Clarke County and Loudoun County.
Box tree moth is an invasive insect pest that can significantly damage and potentially kill boxwood plants if left unchecked.
The box tree moth is native to East Asia and has become a pest in Europe, where boxwood is native. The caterpillars are ravenous feeders, and heavy infestations can completely defoliate host plants.
Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced invasive pest. VDACS has surveyed the area surrounding the detections to determine the extent of infestation and has planned for more surveys to occur in the future.
VDACS encourages property owners to report any suspected damage to boxwood plants on their property by using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
For resources on how to identify box tree moth damage or life stages, visit www.pubs.ext.vt.edu.
For more information on box tree moth, please visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov, or contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.
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Chris Graham
