Invasive Box Tree Moth Confirmed In Another MI County: Officials

LAPEER COUNTY, MI — Michigan agricultural officials have confirmed the box tree moth has been found in Lapeer County, making it the 13th county where the invasive pest has been found, according to the Michigan Invasive Species Program.

The box tree moth is not a threat to Michigan’s native trees and shrubs, but it can kill off ornamental boxwood species commonly used in landscaping, according to officials.

In addition to Lapeer County, the invasive pest has also been found in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, according to officials.

Box tree moth caterpillars are green and yellow with white, yellow, and black stripes and black spots. Adults have white wings with dark brown borders and a distinctive white dot or mark in the middle of each forewing.

Officials warned it can be difficult to spot the pest at the beginning of an infestation because young caterpillars hide among twigs and leaves.

Officials said look out for chewed, cut, or missing leaves, yellowing or brown leaves, white webbing, and green-black excrement on or around the plant to spot an infestation. Larvae skeletonize the leaves and feed on the undersides, causing defoliation and dryness and eventually leading to the plant’s death.

The pesticide and plant pest management division director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Steve Carlson said surveying and trapping efforts help slow the spread of the box tree moth in Michigan.

Once an infestation has been confirmed, officials asked residents are advised to remove infested branches or, for heavy infestations, cut the boxwood from its base (it should grow back from its roots).

All boxwood debris should be double bagged in plastic and discarded with household trash. Some municipalities or trash vendors may have restrictions surrounding plant material disposal, so please check with your local waste management entity for guidance.

Anyone who believes they found an infestation outside one of the 13 southeastern Michigan counties where the pest has been found is encouraged to take photographs and report the situation at Michigan.gov/ReportBTM online.