Preventing the spread of invasive species like box tree moth is the most effective way to protect Canada's boxwood industry. Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the expansion of the regulated area for box tree moth to include Prince Edward Island.
Regulated areas are established to prevent the further spread of box tree moth into areas where it has not yet been established. Within the regulated zone, boxwood plants can be moved freely between the provinces, but they cannot be transported outside the zone without prior authorization from the CFIA. The regulated area already includes Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Box tree moth is not harmful to human health, but it is highly destructive to boxwood plants. These ornamental plants are not native to North America and are widely distributed in nurseries, gardens, and parks. Signs of infestation include leaf loss and larval webbing on the plant. Infestations can have significant economic and environmental consequences, particularly for Canada's multimillion-dollar boxwood industry and to municipal landscapes.
The CFIA will continue to survey and monitor the spread of box tree moth in Canada and collaborate with federal, provincial, and municipal partners, as well as stakeholders, to explore management options to prevent the pest from spreading further west of Ontario.
If you spot box tree moth outside of regulated areas, report it to the CFIA to help stop the spread.
