The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of the box tree moth (BTM) near the Hamilton and Clermont county border in Ohio.
The detection occurred after a local resident submitted a photograph of the insect to the USDA, prompting trapping efforts in the area. Two specimens were captured and identified as the box tree moth.
Originating from East Asia, the box tree moth is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to boxwood plantings and the horticulture industry. Boxwood is an essential ornamental shrub, playing a valuable role in Ohio's nursery stock economy. Federal and state officials are urging the public and horticultural businesses to be vigilant and report any sightings of the box tree moth using the reporting tool provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA).
Plant health inspectors from ODA and USDA staff will intensify their efforts by placing additional traps and conducting surveys throughout the summer and fall to determine the source and extent of the population.
Residents can contribute to monitoring and control efforts by following these steps:
- Familiarize yourself with the appearance of the box tree moth and signs of damage on boxwood shrubs.
- Inspect any boxwood plants you have for signs of box tree moth life stages.
- If you identify any signs of infestation, take a picture and report it.
- Indications of feeding may include chewed, cut, or missing leaves, yellowing or browning foliage, white webbing, and green-black excrement on or around the affected plant.
Box tree moth caterpillars display green and yellow bodies adorned with white, yellow, and black stripes, as well as black spots. Adult box tree moths have both brown and white color forms and are primarily active during nighttime. The observed color form in Ohio features white wings with a slightly iridescent appearance and an irregular thick brown border. The second adult color form is entirely brown, marked with a small white comma-shaped streak on the forewings. Both males and females can exhibit either coloration.
It is crucial for the public to remain vigilant in detecting and reporting box tree moth infestations. By collaborating with the USDA and ODA, individuals can help manage and mitigate the spread of this invasive pest, safeguarding Ohio's horticulture industry and the health of boxwood plantings.
Photo Credit: pexels-heru-vision
Categories: Ohio, General