Box Tree Moth Control for Farmington Hills Landscapes

The Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is a devastating invasive pest that threatens all boxwood plant varieties across Farmington Hills, Michigan landscapes. Originally native to Asia, specifically North China and Korea, this moth has rapidly spread to Europe and now North America, causing significant damage to boxwood plants – a common component in many landscapes.

Appearance and Lifecycle

Adult box tree moths are distinctive, typically featuring white wings with dark brown borders and a wingspan of about 4-5 cm. The moths lay eggs on boxwood leaves, which hatch into caterpillars within three days. These caterpillars are visually striking, with green bodies adorned with white, yellow, and black stripes.

Destructive Impact

The most critical threat posed by box tree moths is their voracious feeding behavior. Caterpillars consume boxwood leaves and stems, often stripping plants down to their midribs. In severe box tree moth infestations, entire boxwood plantings can be decimated.

Box tree moths can survive extreme temperatures – down to -22°F and, in Farmington Hills, can produce multiple generations between May and October. Early detection is key to managing their spread and preventing significant plant damage. If you find box tree moth in your boxwood shrubs, control treatments should begin immediately.

Detection and Control

Owen Tree, or yourself, can identify an infestation by looking for:

• White webbing in shrub interiors
• "Peeled" leaf appearances
• Green-black caterpillar droppings
• Brown or scorched-looking shrubs

 Control methods include:

• Periodic shrub spraying throughout the growing season
• Using pheromone traps
• Applying biological control products

If you find box tree moth in your landscape, or need your plants checked for this destructive pest, call Owen Tree and Lawn Care at 800-724-6680. One of our ISA Certified Arborists will perform a detailed property inspection and develop a control plan to protect your plants.