DOVER, DE — The United States Department of Agriculture‘s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has confirmed the presence of the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) at a private residence in Kent County, Delaware.
The box tree moth is a serious pest that primarily targets boxwood species, a popular ornamental evergreen shrub. If not controlled, this pest can cause severe damage and even kill the plants. The discovery in Delaware is surprising due to its distance from previous detections in states like New York, Michigan, Ohio, and Massachusetts.
“Box tree moth is an unexpected find in Delaware due to the distance from the only known U.S. detections,” said Jessica Munski, Plant Industries Administrator for the Delaware Department of Agriculture. “We are working closely with USDA and University of Delaware Extension to map out the infestations. Only one property in Kent County has a confirmed population, and control measures have been implemented.”
Why the Box Tree Moth is a Threat
The box tree moth can spread naturally, flying three to six miles annually, with potential to travel up to 20 miles. The caterpillars are particularly destructive, capable of defoliating a plant within ten days. They start as lime-green with black stripes and white spots, later creating extensive webbing on the plant. In severe cases, they can strip the plant of leaves and then feed on the bark, ultimately killing the plant.
Adult moths typically have white wings with a thick brown border and are most active at night, making them hard to detect. They can sometimes be confused with the melonworm moth.
How to Identify and Report Infestations
Delaware residents can help prevent the spread of this invasive pest by monitoring their boxwood shrubs for signs of damage, such as brown or skeletonized leaves, defoliation, and webbing with caterpillars.
If you suspect an infestation, contact the Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners at the Garden Helpline:
- New Castle County: 302-831-8862
- Kent County: 302-730-4000
- Sussex County: 302-831-3389
Residents should allow agricultural officials to inspect their boxwood plants and place detection traps if needed.
Preventive and Control Measures
To control the spread of the box tree moth, Delawareans should remove infested plant branches. For severe infestations, cutting the plant from its base may be necessary; the plant should regrow from the roots. All debris should be double-bagged in plastic and disposed of in the trash. Homeowners are advised to follow pesticide recommendations from the Delaware Cooperative Extension.
Nursery owners should also monitor their boxwoods and implement safeguards to limit pest risks. Any detections should be reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture at DDA_PlantPests@delaware.gov.
The swift response to this detection aims to protect Delaware’s landscape from the destructive potential of the box tree moth. By taking immediate action, residents can help safeguard their gardens and the environment.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.