This summer (2025), a new invasive insect was detected in Morgan and Berkeley counties of West Virginia. This pest is called the box tree moth and has the potential to kill boxwood plants. This insect pest is native to East Asia and was detected in New York in 2021. If you see the box tree moth or its damage on boxwood plants, please reported to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture at (304) 558-2212 or bugbusters@wvda.us.
Homeowners should destroy insects and infested material or the whole plant as soon as possible. Homeowners also shouldn't transport boxwood plants across county lines and should think about using different ornamental plants for new plantings. Nurseries and landscape companies should inspect their boxwood plants regularly and should obtain their plants from propagators that have been certified as free of the box tree moth. For more information about the biology and control of the box tree moth, visit here.
For more information, contact your local WVU Extension office.
This alert currently affects Morgan, Berkeley, and surrounding counties.
Find other insect pest resources here
Contact
Carlos Quesada
WVU Extension Specialist
Entomology
304-293-8835
Email Carlos
Trade or brand names used in this publication are for educational purposes only. The use of such product names does not imply endorsement by the WVU Extension to the exclusion of other products that may be equally suitable.
Content was written by Carlos Quesada, WVU Extension Service Entomology Specialist.