Clinton, MI – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the detection of box tree moths at two residences in Clinton.
Although not a threat to Michigan’s natural resources, extensive feeding from box tree moths can lead to significant defoliation and death of ornamental boxwood.
In May 2021, potentially infested boxwood plants were shipped to retail locations in several states including six in Michigan. It is not known whether the box tree moth populations detected in Clinton are linked or if the pest entered the state through another pathway.
Box tree moth caterpillars are green and yellow with white, yellow, and black stripes and black spots. The caterpillars feed only on boxwoods making them easy to spot.
Contact the USDA’s Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for more information.
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