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HARRISBURG -- The box tree moth, a highly destructive, invasive insect new to North America, was recently discovered for the first time in Pennsylvania in two cemeteries in Erie County. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine to help businesses and homeowners recognize the insect, learn how to control it, and keep it from spreading.
The insect feeds on and destroys boxwoods, which are frequently used as topiaries and hedges and featured in Pennsylvania's public gardens, parks, and conservatories, which are some of the oldest and most popular in the nation.
"This insect does not harm humans or threaten our food supply, said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "It threatens livelihoods in our nursery and landscape industry, as well as the parks and gardens that enrich our communities and feed tourism dollars into our economy. Protecting communities and businesses from economic loss is a top priority."
Boxwoods are the largest-selling evergreen shrub in the U.S. The destructive box tree moth spreads primarily through shipping and sales of infected boxwoods. The insect had previously been found in Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Ontario, Canada.
Pennsylvania's nursery and landscaping industry generates $4.1 billion for the state economy annually and is responsible for more than 63,000 jobs. Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of floriculture businesses -- those that produce garden and bedding plants, potted plants, and cut flowers.
Early detection is key to preventing significant damage, loss, and spread of box tree moths. Find information on how to identify and treat the insect, and safely remove and destroy infested materials at agriculture.pa.gov. Homeowners may contact your local PSU Extension office for treatment information.
If you suspect the insect on your boxwoods, please report it to badbug@pa.gov or 1-888-253-7189. Please indicate which life stage was found, if damage was present, and include photos if possible.
Pennsylvania's quarantine requires plant merchants in Erie County to ensure that boxwood sold in the county stays in the county, unless the business has a compliance agreement with the PA Department of Agriculture. A compliance agreement requires surveying, treatments, and record-keeping for shipments outside the county. To enter a compliance agreement in Erie County, contact the department's regional office at (814) 332-6890 to schedule a time to meet with a plant inspector.
Several other states' quarantines require pre-notification to ship to their state. See nationalplantboard.org for other states' requirements.