MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine for the invasive box tree moth in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The quarantine is effective immediately and restricts the movement of certain boxwood plants and materials that could spread the pest.
Box tree moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of boxwoods — a popular landscaping shrub — and heavy infestations can lead to rapid defoliation and even plant death.
Businesses that move regulated boxwood material within or out of the quarantine zone must obtain inspection certification and complete a compliance agreement with the state.
Residents can help slow the spread by monitoring boxwoods for signs of damage and reporting suspected infestations to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Early detection is critical to protecting landscapes and the nursery industry.
Learn more about the quarantine, how to identify the pest, and what actions to take: https://ow.ly/UilH50Yy7A0
