The Department of Agriculture published notice in the July 13 PA Bulletin announcing an Quarantine Order establishing a framework for taking steps to protect nursery stock from the invasive box tree moth.

Agriculture said although the moth is not widely prevalent or distributed in Pennsylvania or the United States, this invasive pest has been declared an “actionable regulatory pest” by the US Department of Agriculture.

Under that designation, the state Department of Agriculture is authorized to take various measures to detect, contain and eradicate plant pests and to establish quarantines to prevent the spread of plant pests.

Where the Department suspects, detects or confirms Box Tree Moth, Cydalima perspectalis, the property, facility, premises, place, or area, along with any vehicle or means of conveyance, where it is suspected, detected, or confirmed shall be subject to this Order of Quarantine.

Visit the Penn State Extension Box Tree Moth webpage for more background on this invasive insect.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.  Questions should be directed to: plant@pa.gov.

[Posted: July 12, 2024]

7/15/2024