A New Threat to Lapeer County Boxwood Shrubs

July 21, 2025

Subject: APHIS Expands Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantine in Michigan

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is adding Lapeer County, Michigan to the box tree moth (BTM: Cydalima perspectalis) quarantined areas. This measure parallels the intrastate quarantines established by MDARD on January 8, 2025. This Federal Order supersedes Federal Order DA-2024-47.

To prevent the spread of BTM, APHIS considers it necessary to regulate the interstate movement of regulated articles of boxwood from quarantined areas. Boxwood plants may only be moved interstate from a quarantined area from an establishment operating under a compliance agreement, and if accompanied by a certificate issued by a state agricultural authority certifying that the shipment meets the requirements of this Federal Order and the compliance agreement. These requirements facilitate the safe interstate movement of boxwood by producers and distributors. State agricultural authorities may prescribe additional safeguards and protocols.

APHIS prohibits movement of all other regulated articles of boxwood, including plant parts, pieces, cuttings, clippings, debris, and any portion of the plant, alive or dead, except for decorative purposes.

The APHIS BTM web page has the attached Federal Order and additional information about this pest.

For additional information about the BTM program, you may contact:
Devon Gaydos
Assistant National Policy Manager
240-457-0297
devon.gaydos@usda.gov

The box tree moth caterpillar can quickly decimate boxwood shrubs. Initially feeding on leaves inside the canopy of the shrub they can easily go unnoticed. Once they start consuming the outer foliage of the boxwood shrub quite a bit of damage has already been done. After they devour the leaves, the caterpillars will start eating the bark of the shrub, making recovery almost impossible.

Treatments for box tree moth are available. Foliar sprays can control the caterpillars. The key is to apply treatments before too much feeding damage has occurred. Box tree moths work fast!

If you suspect box tree moths are feeding on your boxwood shrubs call Owen Tree and Lawn Care immediately. We will check your shrubs and schedule appropriate treatments.