Invasive Box Tree Moth Found in More Ohio Counties

An invasive pest threatening one of Ohio's most popular landscape plants has been detected in four additional counties. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed the presence of box tree moths (BTM) in monitoring traps placed in Ashtabula, Clark, Cuyahoga, and Preble counties.

First detected in Ohio in June 2023, BTM has now been found in 11 counties across the state; Ashtabula, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren.

The box tree moth is an invasive pest from East Asia that poses a threat to boxwood plantings and the horticulture industry. Boxwood is an important ornamental shrub that is a valuable part of Ohio's nursery stock economy. Federal and state officials are asking the public and horticultural businesses to spot and report the box tree moth using ODA's reporting tool.

ODA's plant health inspectors will be placing traps and surveying these new areas to determine the extent of the population.

Residents can look for and report any signs of infestation by following these steps:

• Familiarize yourself with the insect's appearance and signs of damage on boxwood shrubs.
• Check any boxwood plants you have for signs of box tree moth life stages.
• If you find any signs of infestation, take a picture, and report it.

There are effective options for residents to use to protect their boxwood shrubs if they are in an infested area. For additional information including pictures of the insect and feeding damage, information on treatment options, and the Ohio Pest Reporter tool, please visit ODA's box tree moth page.