Invasive moth detected in Ohio; What to do if you spot one

Agriculture officials are urging Ohioans to keep an eye out for an invasive species of moth detected in the state.

The box tree moth has been detected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service near the border of Hamilton and Clermont Counties.

This pest comes from East Asia and poses a threat to boxwood plants and the horticulture industry, according to the USDA.

>> PHOTOS: Invasive Box Tree Moth found in Ohio

Boxwood plants are an important ornamental shrub that is valuable to Ohio’s nursery stock economy.

Officials urge anyone who spots the moth to report them using the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s reporting tool.

Signs can include chewed, cut, or missing leaves, yellowing or brown leaves, white webbing, and green-black excrement on or around the plant.

Ohio’s box tree moths typically appear white with slightly iridescent wings with an irregular brown order.

More information about this invasive species can be found here.

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Invasive Box Tree Moth (Credit: USDA )

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