The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced the first detection of an invasive insect pest, the box tree moth ( Cydalima perspectalis ), in the Commonwealth. Inspectors discovered the pest at four separate locations across Clarke and Loudoun counties.

Native to East Asia, the box tree moth has become a major pest in Europe and, more recently, in several U.S. states. The species poses a serious threat to boxwood plants ( Buxus species), which are common in gardens and landscapes across Virginia.

The caterpillars feed aggressively, often defoliating and ultimately killing the host plants if left untreated.

According to VDACS, the agency will provide treatment for affected boxwood plants if the box tree moth is confirmed on-site.

The pest was fir

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