Box Tree Moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis, family Crambidae) is a non-native pest of boxwoods (Buxus spp.). BTM was first confirmed in Ohio by the ODA in late June based on adult moths. Several caterpillar infestations have now been discovered in the area where moths are continuing to be trapped. The location is in the southwest part of the state near the conjunction of Hamilton, Clermont, Warren, and Butler Counties. Coupled with the Montgomery County detection, the two BTM sites are the southernmost in North America.
Learn more on what to look for and how to manage here.
I have a number of Green Velvet Boxwoods. I’ve been doing research on the box tree moth since they have been identified two counties south of me. I understand some species are more susceptible. Do you have any information regarding the green velvet?
Hi Linda. I will look into it and get back to you.
From our educator who is keeping a special eye on BTM:
Unfortunately, we don’t yet have a good handle on host preference. Some early observations indicate that BTM will feed on the “Green” series of boxwoods (Green Velvet, Green Mountain, etc.); however, that’s meaningless at this point. It may be because of the heavy use of these boxwoods rather than any real indication of host preference.
BTM is so new to the U.S., we’re still gathering information. Although there’s a lot of information out of Europe, it’s not apples to apples. In general, different types of boxwoods are used in Europe and boxwoods are native to Europe. We know that the European boxwoods are highly susceptible, but we also know boxwoods with Asian genes (BTM is native to Asia) appear to be less susceptible.
So, host preference trials are being established this spring in Buffalo, NY, and we hope to establish trials in Ohio either in the fall or next spring.
At this point, I would advise that home gardeners should not panic. First, BTM is only a potential boxwood killer. The caterpillars are easy to kill, and boxwoods can be protected if an infestation is caught early. Just about every over-the-counter “caterpillar insecticide” is effective. Second, we should be most concerned with the fungal disease known as boxwood blight which is a true boxwood killer. The good news is that Green Velvet is resistant to boxwood blight.