This Bug Could Destroy Midwestern Gardens This Summer

It's gardening season, and chances are, if you garden, you've already planted a good amount, if not all, of your plants.

If you enjoy gardening, you no doubt are aware of the many pests that can... visit. At our house, we actually have deer show up and eat the garden.

Yep, even though we live in Cedar Falls proper, we still get deer.

But deer are relatively easy to deal with, and if you see one, just yell and they'll run like their lives depend on it. Bugs can be a different story. They have no fear.

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Remember when your parents told you that a spooky bee was more afraid of you as a child? Not true. Inscencts sadly don't experience fear.

Either does this unfriendly bug.

Be Aware: The Box Tree Moth is Back

Native to East Asia, the box tree moth has become a significant invasive pest in Europe. In 2021, it was first detected in New York and has since been confirmed in several U.S. states, including Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

Now, it appears poised for a return in 2025.

While experts are predicting the bug to make it to Iowa this year, it's likely to push its way into the Midwest, expected to hit Michigan and Ohio.

A Real Threat: The Box Tree Moth's Impacts on the Plants

The larvae of the box tree moth feed voraciously on boxwood plants, leading to defoliation and, in severe cases, plant death.

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After consuming the leaves, they may also feed on the bark, further damaging the plant.

How to Identify the Box Tree Moth

Like other moths, the box tree moth starts as a caterpillar. They appear lime-green with black stripes, white spots, and a shiny black head.

As adults, they typically have white wings with a thick brown border; some may be entirely brown.

Preventive Measures

If you think you may have box tree moth visitors, inspect boxwood plants regularly for signs of infestation and, because we aren't expected to see any in Iowa, report any suspected sightings to local agricultural authorities.

For more information on the box tree moth, visit the USDA's dedicated page here.

If it's not the box tree moth, what exactly is killing Iowans? And I don't mean our plants.