The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has detected the presence of the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, in Frederick County. Inspectors from VDACS discovered and treated this invasive pest in Clarke and Loudoun Counties in July. The agency will continue surveying these areas to assess the spread of the insect.
Box tree moth is an invasive species that can cause significant harm to boxwood plants. Originally from East Asia, it has become a problem in Europe where boxwood is native. The caterpillars feed heavily on host plants, sometimes stripping them completely of leaves. If box tree moth is confirmed on boxwood plants, VDACS will provide treatment for those plants.
“Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced invasive pest,” VDACS stated in its announcement.
The department has already surveyed areas around the recent detections to gauge how widespread the infestation is and plans to conduct additional surveys in the future. Property owners are encouraged to report suspected damage to their boxwood plants using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
Information about identifying box tree moth damage or its life stages can be found at www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-445/ENTO-445.pdf. Additional details about the pest are available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml or by contacting the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.
