In recent years, the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), an invasive pest native to East Asia, has become a significant concern for homeowners and landscapers in Southwest Ohio. First detected in the region in June 2023, this destructive moth is now subject to quarantine measures to prevent its spread. If left unchecked, it can defoliate and kill boxwood shrubs, a staple in many residential landscapes.
At Country Club Lawn & Landscaping, LLC, our Plant Health Care (PHC) Program offers preventative treatments and expert care to protect your valuable boxwood plants from infestation.
Understanding the Box Tree Moth
The box tree moth primarily targets boxwood shrubs (Buxus spp.), one of the most popular ornamental plants used in residential and commercial landscapes. The larvae (caterpillars) are the most damaging stage of the insect’s life cycle, feeding aggressively on boxwood leaves and bark, causing:
✅ Severe defoliation
✅ Browning and yellowing of foliage
✅ Plant decline and eventual death
Life Cycle and Spread
The box tree moth undergoes multiple generations per year, especially in warm conditions. This rapid reproduction makes early detection and professional intervention critical to protecting your landscape.
- Eggs: Laid in clusters on boxwood leaves.
- Larvae (Caterpillars): Lime-green with black heads and stripes; responsible for severe plant damage.
- Pupae: Encased in silky webbing; transition phase to adulthood.
- Adult Moths: White wings with a brown border; nocturnal fliers capable of spreading infestations.
Signs of Infestation
✔️ Chewed or missing leaves
✔️ Silky webbing on the plant
✔️ Green-black droppings (frass) around the shrub
✔️ Lime-green caterpillars with black stripes
Quarantine Measures in Southwest Ohio
To mitigate the spread of the box tree moth, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) established a quarantine in April 2024, affecting six Southwest Ohio counties:
📍 Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Greene, Montgomery, and Warren.
This quarantine restricts the movement of boxwood shrubs, branches, and related plant material both within and out of these counties. The goal is to prevent the inadvertent spread of the moth to uninfested areas and protect Ohio’s $30+ million boxwood industry.
Ohio is a significant producer of boxwood shrubs, making these quarantine efforts crucial to safeguarding both residential landscapes and commercial nurseries.
How Our Plant Health Care (PHC) Program Can Help
At Country Club Lawn & Landscaping, LLC, we offer a comprehensive Plant Health Care (PHC) Program designed to protect trees and shrubs from insects like the box tree moth. Our customized treatments can prevent, control, and mitigate infestations.
1. Dormant Oil Application (February – March)
✔️ Suffocates overwintering box tree moth eggs
✔️ Reduces the initial population before spring hatching
2. Targeted Insecticide Treatments (April – September)
✔️ Bifenthrin spray applications in spring and summer kill active larvae before they cause significant damage.
✔️ Systemic treatments can provide long-lasting protection by delivering insecticides directly into the plant’s vascular system.
3. Deep Root Fertilization (Late Fall – Winter)
✔️ Strengthens plant health to improve resilience against pests.
✔️ Encourages new growth after damage from moth infestations.
4. Regular Monitoring & Maintenance
✔️ Professional inspections to detect early signs of infestation.
✔️ Customized recommendations to maintain healthy, pest-free boxwood shrubs.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Landscape
✔️ Inspect your boxwoods regularly for caterpillars, leaf damage, and webbing.
✔️ Report suspected infestations to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
✔️ Follow state quarantine regulations to prevent spreading the moth to uninfested areas.
✔️ Contact us for a Plant Health Care consultation to safeguard your boxwood plants.
Protect Your Boxwood Shrubs with Expert Care
The box tree moth is a serious threat, but with proactive treatments and expert care, your landscape can remain healthy and vibrant. If you have boxwood shrubs in your yard, don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a Plant Health Care consultation today!
☎️ Call us at 937-433-5915
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌎 Visit us at www.cclandscaper.com
Let Country Club Lawn & Landscaping, LLC protect your landscape from invasive pests so you can enjoy a lush, thriving yard all year long!
