Box Tree Moth

An invasive species is an organism that is not native to a defined location and did not evolve in that present ‘new’ environment and therefore has few to no natural enemies. Often this organism can out compete native organisms, and therefore can become a problem by throwing nature out of balance. Examples of invasive species can be found in all classes of organisms including plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. Two examples of invasive insects that will have a major impact in Ohio are Spotted Lanternfly and Box Tree Moth. We will look at how fast these population can grow.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has reported the presence of Box Tree Moths (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis (family Crambidae) in Ashtabula, Clark, Cuyahoga, and Preble counties based on catching adult male moths in pheromone-baited monitoring traps. First detected in Ohio in June 2023, BTM has now been found in 11 counties across the state: Ashtabula, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren.

This online webinar provides a realistic look at BTM and its impact on its only plant host. It includes informational presentations and an open Q&A session.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded the Box Tree Moth (BTM, Cydalima perspectalis) federal quarantine to include Berkeley County, West Virginia. The county is located in the eastern panhandle, bounded by Maryland and Virginia.

Want to learn more about invasive species? Check out this program brought to you by the OSU Ohio Woodland Stewards Program.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced yesterday that the box tree moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis, family Crambidae) quarantine zone has been expanded in southwest Ohio.

Three new Box Tree Moth (BTM) fact sheets have been posted on the OSU Extension, Ohioline website. They cover its history and spread, what to look for, and what you can do about BTM.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded the Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) federal quarantines to include all counties in Delaware and Erie County in Pennsylvania. Ohioans should note the close proximity of BTM to Green Industry interests in the northeast part of the state.

This season, we’ve observed some expansion of the BTM hot spots. Whether this is due to natural spread, or the discovery of undetected infestations is not known. However, owing to BTM’s multiple generations, damage is rapidly ramping up to produce some dramatic impacts and questions about BTM management.

The “tHRIve - WEB SERIES” is where you can remain updated on a wide range of issues important to the Green Industry.  The webinar titled, “Box Tree Moth Demystified” was presented live last Wednesday, May 15.  The webinar covers what to look for with BTM and the latest results from BTM management trials.