Box Tree Moths Wreak Havoc on Winchester Boxwoods

Box tree moths have been ravaging boxwood shrubs in the Winchester area of Virginia, prompting property owners to take action to protect their plants. According to the USDA, these invasive pests can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

The box tree moth was first detected in the US in 2021 in New York and four years later, it was found in nearby Clarke and Loudoun counties in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has been treating infested properties since last fall, but the problem persists.

VDACS Deputy Director David Gianino stated that treatments have focused on properties in Berryville, Winchester, and Boyce, but the agency recommends that property owners treat their own boxwoods or hire someone to do it. Candace DeLong, an Extension Agent in Frederick County, advises people to spray their boxwoods themselves if they want to save them.

The best time to spray for box tree moths is during active larval feeding periods, which occur three times a year: early spring (April to May), mid-summer (July), and late summer/early fall (September). Spraying is only effective on young, actively feeding caterpillars. DeLong noted that pesticides recommended to treat box tree moths include those with active ingredients such as azadirachtin, pyrethrins, and cold-pressed neem oil.