Controlling Damage Caused by the Box Tree Moth

Cydalima perspectalis, also known as the box tree moth, is a considerably nasty pest when it comes to plants in the buxaceae family, such as boxwood or box tree shrubs. The moths are particularly damaging to $40 million worth of these plants sold through Canadian nurseries for homes and properties in Canada, according to Canadian horticulture officials.

Most of the damage is done while the moths are developing and eating at the caterpillar stage. The moth is native to Asian, but made its way to Europe and in more recent years to North America.

Controlled efforts include containing movement of the nursery products, hand removal of eggs and larvae from plants, using box tree moth traps, and controlled use of pesticides as last resort for bad outbreaks. Fortunately, at Armdale Lawn Care we haven’t had to use any pesticides.