PDA Issues Quarantine Order on Box Tree Moth

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) on July 12, 2024 issued a quarantine order regarding the box tree moth (BTM).

Box tree moth is an invasive pest that can significantly damage and potentially kill boxwood (Buxus species) plants if left unchecked. The caterpillars are ravenous feeders, and heavy infestations can completely defoliate host plants. After the leaves are gone, they feed on the bark which eventually kills the plant. 

USDA is now going to allow shipments of boxwood out of a quarantine county.  The companies in the county will need to have a compliance agreement with the state.  The agreement will require training of employees, record keeping for sales, scouting and trapping in addition to treatments.  PDA is issuing a parallel quarantine.  Companies in Pennsylvania will be able to sign PDA’s compliance agreement in order to ship boxwood from a quarantine county.  The quarantine is external and internal.

Resources:
PDA Quarantine Order
PDA/PLNA Box Tree Moth Webinar Recording (Members-Only)
More PDA Box Tree Moth Resources