The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has reported the detection of the invasive box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, in Winchester, Virginia. According to VDACS, inspectors found and treated the pest at several locations in Clarke, Frederick, and Loudoun counties during July and August. The department plans to continue surveying these areas to determine how widespread the infestation is.
Box tree moth is originally from East Asia but has become a serious pest in Europe where it threatens native boxwood plants. The caterpillars feed aggressively on boxwood (Buxus species), and large infestations can strip plants of their leaves or even kill them if not managed. VDACS stated that treatment will be provided for affected boxwood plants once the presence of box tree moth is confirmed.
“Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced plant pest,” VDACS said in its announcement. The agency encourages property owners and members of the public to report suspected damage to boxwood on their properties using its Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
Guidance on identifying damage caused by box tree moth or recognizing its life stages is available through resources such as this document from Virginia Tech Extension: www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-445/ENTO-445.pdf.
Additional information about the box tree moth can be found on the VDACS website at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml or through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/box-tree-moth. For direct inquiries, individuals may contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.
