Cape Cod Hit With Invasive Box Tree Moths: What To Know

CAPE COD, MA — State officials have confirmed multiple instances of an invasive moth in shrubs on Cape Cod, prompting an effort to limit the spread.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources recently sent notice to sellers and growers of plants in Massachusetts to inform them that MDAR and USDA officials confirmed several instances of boxwood shrubs on Cape Cod that were infested with the invasive pest known as box tree moth.

The finds have all been in established plantings, meaning plants 2-years-old or older. Officials say it's unclear how the moths were introduced to the area or how widespread they are.

The main host of box tree moths are boxwoods themselves, though it's also common for the moths to attack burning bush and a few other uncommon species if boxwood is not available, officials said.

The late-stage caterpillars cause significant defoliation, which means the removal of leaves, meaning their presence should be detectable now, officials said. Box tree moths can cause complete defoliation of boxwoods, eventually killing entire shrubs.

Those with boxwoods should check for greenish-brown caterpillars ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches long with black stripes running from head to tip, black heads and long hairs scattered along the body.

The caterpillars form webbing in the boxwoods to protect themselves, and in a heavy infestation, this webbing fills up with visible clumps of frass pellets, the moths waste material.

To learn more about the pest and how to spot them, click here.