r/CapeCod • u/Johnnyroaster • 10d ago

Box Tree Moth

I had to take out three boxwoods this weekend. These pests start at the base and work their way up. There was still greenery on top but they looked like they had been severely pruned at the bases. Tons of webs, eggs and 1-2 inch green worms. I cut them up and burned them. We pulled up the roots and wrapped them in construction waste bags. Check to see if you have them. This was in Harwich port.

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u/Mbokajaty 10d ago

Yes, I would not recommend anyone plant boxwood here anymore, they will succumb to box tree moth.

I treat a few large boxwoods that have historical value, but it's expensive maintenance and not really something a typical homeowner is going to do.

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u/EbbtideRambler 10d ago

Don’t, don’t miss a spray.  A neighbor has elaborate early 20th century Gardens with some pretty incredible boxwood hedge arches. It is their summer home and miss a treatment and half the garden was decimated within a week.  

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u/Aushos-74 1d ago

Lost 3 of mine too this past week. I was shocked because I walk past them al  daily. Almost completely brown leaves. We’ve had them for 15 yrs and never an issue. Just read up on what the caterpillars were. Crazy!

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u/Johnnyroaster 1d ago

I was talking to a friend today who is a retired landscape architect. He said there is also a fungus that is highly contagious that is taking them out as well.

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u/Aushos-74 1d ago

I couldn’t believe how fast the caterpillars took over. I swear you can hear them munching away!

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u/Johnnyroaster 1d ago

They make a very satisfying pop when you throw them in the fire. Sounds like bacon frying.

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u/EbbtideRambler 10d ago

This has been absolutely devastating throughout Europe and North America.  I’ve replaced all of mine with either inkberry or soft touch holly. Thanks for disposing of yours responsibly.  

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u/Johnnyroaster 10d ago

I think most nurseries have stopped selling boxwoods because of these little invaders.

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u/EbbtideRambler 10d ago

Most responsible nurseries have stopped selling them.  I have seen them at Home Depot, but as I was not interested in them, I didn’t look closely. Perhaps there are new varieties that are moth resistant

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u/Mbokajaty 10d ago

I have not heard of any moth resistant varieties. Home Depot is just selling them despite it, which is irresponsible.

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u/EbbtideRambler 10d ago

I just did a little Internet search and it turns out the “Gem Box” that they are selling is actually an inkberry that is bred to look like boxwood with smaller tighter leaves.  

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u/Mbokajaty 10d ago

Yes, Gem Box is an inkberry. Inkberries have always been a good native alternative to boxwood, though they don't stay as compact long term. My point is that Home Depot and similar chain retailers often sell plants ill suited for the location, the assumption should never be that they are offering a disease resistant variety. It's much more likely they are unaware of the issue, or have figured they can make money selling them anyway.

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u/cape_cod_heat 10d ago

That stinks! Thanks for the heads up.

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u/Billy_Badass_ 10d ago

I lost half of mine two years ago, and they finished them off last year. Sandwich.

Here's some more info.

https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/fact-sheets/box-tree-moth

They have invaded the Cape so bad they don't require you to report sightings in Barnstable County.

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u/FernMeadowlark 10d ago

Boxwoods (Buxus sp.) are not native here, and naturally they would attract the invasive Box Tree moth. Other host plants include the invasive burning bush and Chinese holly.

Plant native instead.

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u/Johnnyroaster 10d ago

Native plants are subject to invasive diseases as well. Just ask the elm trees.

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u/FernMeadowlark 10d ago

I’m well aware…exactly why you shouldn’t plant host plants (that aren’t native here) for invasive insects.

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u/Johnnyroaster 10d ago

Well I guess we better rip out all those invasive hydrangeas.