Box Tree Moth Invasive Species Spotted in Lorain County

A new invasive species has been spotted in Lorain County, Ohio - the box tree moth. According to Thomas Becker of the Ohio State University Lorain County Extension office, this non-native pest is native to East Asia and was first detected in Germany and the Netherlands in 2007.

Since its discovery in Europe, the box tree moth has spread rapidly through wild-growing boxwoods, allowing it to thrive. It has been found in over 30 European countries and most recently, was detected in Canada in 2018.

The box tree moth feeds primarily on boxwoods, which are one of the most common landscape plants used in home landscaping. The caterpillar stage of the moth is particularly damaging, consuming large amounts of leaf tissue and leaving behind a characteristic 'curlicue' edge on the leaves.

Residents with boxwoods in their landscape are encouraged to monitor for signs of the pest, including the presence of frass (caterpillar excrement) under the bush. Effective management options include hand-removal of caterpillars, biopesticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, and introducing natural predator insects that feed on the caterpillars.