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Ohio Battles Invasive Moth Devouring Boxwoods
3 Feb
Summary
- Box tree moth caterpillars inflict damage by heavily feeding on boxwood shrubs.
- Ohio's quarantine for the box tree moth has doubled to include new counties.
- Movement of boxwood shrubs is restricted from quarantined areas.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has expanded its quarantine for the invasive box tree moth, doubling the affected counties as of January 30, 2026. First detected in June 2023 in Southwest Ohio, the moth has since spread northward, with many new quarantined areas located along Lake Erie.
The box tree moth, native to Asia, targets boxwood shrubs, with its caterpillars causing severe damage through heavy feeding, potentially leading to defoliation and plant death. Signs of infestation include chewed or missing leaves, yellowing foliage, webbing, and excrement on or around the plant. This pest specifically affects boxwood plantings, with an estimated inventory value exceeding $200 million in Ohio.
A quarantine restricts the movement of boxwood shrubs and other related plant materials from affected areas. Producers shipping nursery stock out of regulated zones must obtain inspection certificates confirming their products are free of the box tree moth. Residents who spot the moth or suspect an infestation are urged to report their findings and collect samples for confirmation.
