What is the box tree moth and what damage does it cause?

The box tree moth is an invasive insect from Asia that damages boxwood shrubs. Its caterpillars feed heavily on the plants, causing defoliation, yellowing leaves, and potentially killing the shrubs.

Which Ohio counties are under quarantine for the box tree moth?

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has expanded the quarantine to include additional counties, doubling the previously affected areas, with new detections noted along Lake Erie.

What are the restrictions for counties quarantined for the box tree moth?

Quarantined counties have restrictions on the movement of boxwood shrubs and related plant materials outside the quarantine boundary to prevent further spread.

Home / Environment / Ohio Battles Invasive Moth Devouring Boxwoods

Ohio Battles Invasive Moth Devouring Boxwoods

3 Feb

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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.

Ohio Battles Invasive Moth Devouring Boxwoods

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.