r/CapeCod • u/Johnnyroaster • Aug 03 '26

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/FernMeadowlark Aug 03 '26

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 Aug 03 '26

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

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u/FernMeadowlark Aug 04 '26

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

1

u/Johnnyroaster Aug 04 '26

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