The potentially-destructive Box Tree Moth has been detected for the first time in New Castle County.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture said Monday that the federally-regulated pest turned up during inspections of traps that were set up at the border with Kent County. The Box Tree Moth mainly feasts on the boxwood species that are popular ornamental evergreen shrubs commonly used in landscaping.

“We continue to work closely with our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Delaware extension to monitor this invasive pest,” Delaware Department of Agriculture Plant Industries Administrator Jeffrey Brothers said. “A box tree moth caterpillar can quickly defoliate boxwoods and remain active until September or October. Homeowners and nurseries should be on the lo

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