Box Tree Moth

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.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released a Federal Order yesterday providing new information on the expansion of quarantines for the Box Tree Moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis, family Crambidae). The Order also noted that conditions for interstate movement of regulated articles have been established.

This free training opportunity provides an overview on Box Tree Moth (BTM) including what to look for and what to do about it. Sponsored by the Horticulture Research Institute (HRI)

Box Tree Moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis, family Crambidae) is in the news prompting home gardeners to ask questions about treatments. Infestations have only been found in S.W. Ohio and boxwoods should only be treated if infested. This Alert provides a list of insecticides.

Box tree moth (BTM) caterpillars in southwest Ohio have awakened from their winter slumber meaning Ohio’s BTM hunting season is now open. There is no bag limit. This means it's time to take a close look at boxwoods to find, report, and manage BTM.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is issuing a quarantine for six counties in southwest Ohio to prevent the spread of an invasive insect – the box tree moth.

Would you like to learn more about one of Ohio's newest invasive species? Check out this week's presentation on Box Tree Moth as part of Emerald Ash Borer University (EABU). The EABU presenter will be Ohio's very own, Joe Boggs. Joe is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator in Hamilton County and Associated Faculty in OSU's Department of Entomology.

Box Tree Moth (BTM) is a non-native pest of boxwoods. It was first confirmed in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in late June. Yesterday, the ODA announced that a BTM sighting has been confirmed in Montgomery County (Dayton Area). Coupled with the earlier detection in southwest Ohio, the two BTM sites are the southernmost in North America.

Box Tree Moth (BTM) caterpillars develop through 7 instar stages. The caterpillars have undergone a rapid rate of development and are now easy to spot. The larger caterpillars mean more foliar damage.