Invasive insect spotted in Pennsylvania county prompts quarantine

( WJET/WFXP ) – An invasive insect species has just been discovered in the northwest Pennsylvania region causing the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) to place a quarantine in effect.

The box tree moth, a highly destructive and invasive insect, was found in two Erie County cemeteries making it the first time this species has been discovered in the Keystone State.

The insect is known to feed on and destroy boxwoods, which are frequently used as topiaries and hedges and are some of the oldest and most popular trees in the nation.

The box tree moth spreads primarily through shipping and sales of infected boxwoods and has previously been found in Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Ontario, Canada.

Because of this, a quarantine is in place to help businesses and homeowners recognize the insect and prevent further spreading. This includes plant merchants in Erie County to ensure that boxwood sold in the county stays in the county unless the business has a compliance agreement with the PA Department of Agriculture.

More information about PA’s quarantine policy can be found by clicking here.

“This insect does not harm humans or threaten our food supply, said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “It threatens livelihoods in our nursery and landscape industry, as well as the parks and gardens that enrich our communities and feed tourism dollars into our economy. Protecting communities and businesses from economic loss is a top priority of the Shapiro administration.”

To learn more about the invasive insect, how to treat them and more, click here.

How to report it

If you suspect the insect on your boxwoods, please report it by:

• Emailing badbug@pa.gov or calling 1-888-253-7189

• AND indicate which life stage was found, if damage was present, and include photos if possible.

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