Invasive Box Tree Moth Confirmed in Northern Virginia Counties
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — State agricultural officials have confirmed that the invasive Box Tree Moth has been detected in Clarke, Loudoun, and Frederick counties, raising concerns about the future of Virginia’s boxwood plants.
A “Devastating Pest”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) issued the alert after sightings were confirmed this month.
Alejandro Del-Pozo, assistant professor and extension specialist with Virginia Tech’s Department of Entomology, called the moth a “devastating pest”, explaining that its caterpillars feed aggressively on boxwood leaves and bark.
“The very hungry caterpillar exists — it’s called the Box Tree Moth,” Del-Pozo said. He warned the pest can cause defoliation and even death of boxwood plants, which are widely used in landscaping across Virginia.
Potential Spread Across Virginia
Del-Pozo cautioned that the moth has the potential to slowly spread across the state, threatening both homeowners and commercial growers.
Research efforts are underway to understand the insect’s impact on the ecosystem while providing science-based solutions for growers to protect landscapes and ornamental plantings.
What Residents Can Do
VDACS is urging residents to take action:
- Report sightings using the state’s Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
- Stay informed through publicly available resources on identification and treatment options.
- Ask questions and consult local extension services for guidance.
The confirmation marks the first step in what experts say could be a long-term battle to protect Virginia’s historic boxwoods from destruction.
Do you think Virginia should impose stronger quarantine measures to prevent the spread of invasive pests like the Box Tree Moth? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
