One invasive species has made its way to Delaware, and could do some damage to your plants.
The Box Tree Moth - usually found in New York, Michigan and Massachusetts - was recently discovered at a Kent County home, according to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Brian Kunkel is Cooperative Extension Specialist of Ornamentals Integrated Pest Management at UD. He says it probably came to Delaware through human travel. For example, it might have latched on to a crate.
"And so the Box Tree Moth hadn't been in Delaware, and the only way that I'm aware that would get here - because it's not that great a flier, it's strong but not hundreds of miles strong in its flight capability - would be to have human assistant movement into a new location," said Kunkel.
The Box Tree Moth is considered an invasive species - and if left to its own devices, can quickly destroy plants, potentially killing them - especially boxwoods.
Kunkel explains what you should do if you spot one.
"The best course of action I'm aware of is to inform the Department of Agriculture if you have a find, and if you don't know what the Department of Agriculture's number is or you can't get a hold of them then you can reach out to Cooperative Extension at any of the offices. And let them know and we would inform the Department of Ag," said Kunkel.
Kunkel adds the Department of Agriculture will then work to eliminate the population as much as possible.
Contact Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners at the Garden Helpline to report a suspected find and learn what pest management tools are available:
- New Castle County: 302-831-8862
- Kent County: 302-730-4000
- Sussex County: 302-831-3389
