July 24, 2025

VDACS Announces Detection of New Invasive Insect Pest in Virginia

Richmond, Va. - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces the detection of a new invasive insect pest in Virginia. Agency inspectors discovered the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, at four sites in Clarke and Loudoun Counties.

Box tree moth is an invasive insect 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. VDACS will provide treatment for boxwood plants, if box tree moth is confirmed on boxwood plants.

The box tree moth is native to East Asia and has become a pest in Europe where boxwood is native. In 2021, The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) detected box tree moth in New York. As of July 2025, it has been confirmed in Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Prior to the detections in Clarke and Loudoun Counties, box tree moth was not known to occur in Virginia.

Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced invasive pest. VDACS has surveyed the area surrounding the detections to determine the extent of infestation and has planned for more surveys to occur in the future. VDACS encourages property owners to report any suspected damage to boxwood plants on their property by using VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.

For resources on how to identify BTM damage or life stages, please visit www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-445/ENTO-445.pdf.

For more information on box tree moth, please visit the USDA APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/box-tree-moth, the VDACS website at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml, or contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.