Quarantine scheduled for 4 local counties

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A quarantine is scheduled for several counties in southwest Ohio.

To help prevent the spread of the box tree moth, an invasive insect found in boxwood plantings, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has scheduled a quarantine beginning April 11. Counties that will be included in the quarantine are Butler, Clermont, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery and Warren.

During the quarantine, boxwood shrubs will be prohibited from moving outside of the quarantined counties.

In June 2023, the invasive insect was spotted around the Clermont-Hamilton county border, but has since been spotted in the six counties, according to the ODA.

“Box tree moths are invasive pests from East Asia that pose a threat to boxwood plantings and the horticulture industry,” says ODA. “Boxwood is an important ornamental shrub that is a valuable part of Ohio’s nursery stock economy.”

Residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for the moth in your boxwood plants. Signs of the insect include damage or discoloration to leaves, white webbing or green and black excrement.

If you believe you see them, you are asked to take an image and submit it .

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