The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces the establishment of a Box Tree Moth Quarantine for Clarke and Frederick counties and the city of Winchester.

Box tree moth (BTM) 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. BTM is native to East Asia and has become a pest in Europe where boxwood is native. The invasive pest was first found in the United States in New York in 2021.

VDACS inspectors initially detected BTM at multiple sites in Clarke and Frederick counties and the city of Winchester in July and August 2025. VDACS staff treated all sites where the invasive pest was found during the summer and fall of 2025. Subsequent surveys carried out by the agency indicate that BTM has spread to additional locations and has become established in Clarke and Frederick counties and city of Winchester.

The Box Tree Moth Quarantine is being established to slow the rate at which the invasive insect moves from infested areas. The quarantine restricts the movement of all boxwood plants, Buxus species, from moving out of the quarantined area, unless a business or individual first obtains a permit or compliance agreement from VDACS. The compliance agreement will allow businesses to self-certify boxwood plants and require businesses to inspect boxwood plants for BTM, set and monitor traps, treat regularly during active periods, and notify recipients when boxwood shipments have been distributed outside of the quarantined areas. VDACS will issue the permits and compliance agreements at no charge to the business or individual.

To obtain a compliance agreement or permit for the movement of boxwood plants out of the quarantined area, please contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at complianceagreements@vdacs.virginia.gov or by calling 804.786.3515.

Early detection and rapid response are vital for the management of any newly introduced plant pest. VDACS encourages property owners and the general public to report any suspected damage to boxwood plants on their property by using the agency’s 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 BTM, please visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml or www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/box-tree-moth or contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515.