Box tree moth reportedly back in Lewiston

On Wednesday, Village of Lewiston Mayor Anne Welch informed the Niagara County Tribune/Sentinel of residential reports of the return of the box tree moth. She said she’s seen trees turned brown as a result of the noisome nuisance.

In an August 2021 press release, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets stated, “Box tree moth is an invasive pest from East Asia that poses a major threat to the boxwood plant, an ornamental shrub that is a valuable part of the U.S. nursery industry.”

In July 2022, the USDA animal and plant health inspection service explained, “The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is an invasive pest that can kill boxwoods if left unchecked. We need your help to keep it from spreading. Here’s what to look for:

√ Brown leaves and defoliation (look for missing sections of leaves or skeletonized leaves)

√ Caterpillars and webbing (young caterpillars hide among twigs/leaves, can grow to 1.5 inches)

It further stated, “Remove infested branches or, for heavy infestations, cut the boxwood from its base (it should grow back from its roots). Discard all boxwood debris by double-bagging it in plastic and putting it with your household trash.

“For more information, and a list of insecticides known to be effective against destructive caterpillars, go to www.aphis.usda.gov/planthealth/box-tree-moth (click on “Resources”). You can also contact your county cooperative extension office (www.cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/local-offices) for treatment options specific to your needs.”

In Niagara County, call 716-433-8839 or email [email protected].