What to Look for with Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth
- Creative Scapes
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Invasive Box Tree Moth Confirmed in Southwest Ohio
Boxwoods—the beloved evergreen backbone of many Ohio landscapes—are under serious threat. The Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis), an invasive pest native to East Asia, has now been officially detected in Hamilton and Clermont counties, marking its first confirmed presence in Ohio. Known for rapidly defoliating and killing boxwood plants, this pest has devastated landscapes across Europe and parts of North America.
With Ohio’s boxwood inventory valued at over $200 million, the stakes are high for homeowners, landscapers, and nurseries alike. Read on to learn what this means for your landscape, how to spot the damage, and what steps can be taken to protect your plants.
What to Watch For: Box Tree Moth Damage
The Box Tree Moth may be small, but its impact is anything but. These white or brown moths lay their eggs on boxwood leaves, and once the larvae hatch, they waste no time—rapidly feeding on foliage and leaving plants stripped and weakened. In severe cases, entire boxwoods can be killed.
The tricky part? They’re often hard to detect until the damage is already underway. Here’s what to look for:
• Chewed or skeletonized leaves
• Silky webbing in and around the branches
• Greenish-yellow caterpillars with black heads and dark stripes
• Brown patches or full defoliation of the plant
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly—early intervention is key to saving your boxwoods.
How to Protect Your Boxwoods from Box Tree Moth
Boxwoods are a staple in many landscapes The good news? There are steps you can take to protect your plants:
1. Inspect Often
Check your boxwoods weekly for signs of damage, webbing, or caterpillars.
Use a flashlight and get in close—early detection makes a big difference.
2. Remove by Hand (for Light Infestations)
If you spot a few caterpillars, you can pick them off manually or prune affected branches.
Be sure to dispose of any caterpillars or clippings in sealed plastic bags—never compost them.
3. Explore Treatment Options
• Biological Control: Use products containing Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bt), which are effective and safe for pollinators when applied early in the caterpillar stage.
• Chemical Control: For heavier infestations, products with spinosad or pyrethrins (such as Ortho Insect Killer or 3-in-1 formulas) can help. Always follow label directions and consider the impact on pollinators.
Our Expert Solutions to Protect Your Boxwoods
Tackling the Box Tree Moth requires the right timing, knowledge, and products. With its fast-moving life cycle and potential for severe damage, professional care is often the best defense. That’s where we come in.
Our experienced team will inspect your landscape to confirm Box Tree Moth activity and assess the level of infestation.
We use professional-grade products applied at the ideal stage of the moth’s life cycle, targeting the caterpillars effectively while minimizing harm to pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Don’t wait until visible damage appears. Get ahead of this pest with a professional inspection and tailored treatment plan.
Comments