Wright-Patterson AFB announces action plan to combat Box Tree Moth infestation

Published May 5, 2026
88th Civil Engineering Group

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH --

The 88th Civil Engineering Group (CEG) is initiating a comprehensive, multi-phase plan to address a recently identified infestation of the Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis). The infestation is affecting boxwood plantings across the installation and falls within the regional agricultural quarantine area.

What is the Box Tree Moth?

Native to East Asia, the Box Tree Moth is a highly destructive invasive pest that feeds almost exclusively on boxwood shrubs. The insect is most damaging during its caterpillar stage. The caterpillars—identifiable by their lime-green bodies with black and white stripes—feed aggressively on boxwood leaves.

Symptoms of an infestation include skeletonized or "peeled" leaves, severe defoliation, green frass (droppings), and extensive silk webbing hidden deep within the plant’s branches.

If the caterpillars exhaust the foliage, they will begin consuming the outer bark, which can quickly kill even mature boxwoods.

Adult moths typically have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and feature white wings with a thick brown border, though some color variations are entirely brown.

Lime-green body with thick black stripes, white spots, and a shiny black head.

White wings outlined with a distinctive, thick brown border.

Boxwood shrub showing signs of infestation.

Healthy/unaffected boxwood shrubs in landscape

Civil Engineering (CE) Action Plan

To protect the base's landscape and mitigate the spread of the moth, CE has established the following response timeline:

17-28 Apr 2026: Inspection of boxwood plantings across the base to assess the scope of the infestation.
18 Apr-13 May 2026: Treatment of plantings using specialized pesticides that adhere to the foliage to effectively target caterpillars.
- Area A Treatment: 18-28 Apr 2026
- Area B Treatment: 30 Apr-13 May 2026
18-29 May 2026: Reinspection of treated areas (within two weeks of initial applications) to gauge effectiveness; spot treatments will re-occur as needed.
Jun-July 2026: Comprehensive summer inspection to evaluate the overall health of the plantings and determine if removals are necessary.
Aug-Sep 2026: Assessment of removal and replanting requirements, including cost analysis and determination of execution methods.
Oct-Nov 2026: Execution of dead/damaged plant removals and installation of new plantings.
Oct-Nov 2026: Retreatment of remaining boxwoods with dormant oil to protect the plants throughout the fall and winter.
Spring 2027: Follow-up inspections to check for the presence of returning moths or caterpillars.

Instructions for Homeowners

The Box Tree Moth is a highly mobile pest that can fly several miles, allowing it to easily spread to off-base neighborhoods.

Map highlighting the current Department of Agriculture Box Tree Moth quarantine zones surrounding WPAFB, which restrict the transport of infested boxwood materials to slow the pest's spread.

Base housing residents and local homeowners can protect their own boxwood plantings by taking the following steps:

Inspect Regularly: Look deep inside your boxwood shrubs every 1-2 weeks from spring through fall. Check for webbing, chewed/skeletonized leaves, and the caterpillars themselves.
Apply Approved Treatments: If caterpillars or feeding signs are found, apply a targeted homeowner pesticide (such as organic Bacillus thuringiensis / Bt, spinosad, or pyrethroids). Ensure the spray penetrates the interior canopy where caterpillars hide. Always read and follow product labels.
Prune and Dispose Safely: Remove heavily infested branches. Do not compost the clippings. All infested plant material must be double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic and placed in the standard municipal trash for disposal within the quarantine zone to prevent the moths from escaping and spreading.
Buy Carefully: If replacing plants, ensure you are buying from reputable nurseries that inspect for pests, or consider boxwood alternatives if the pest pressure in your neighborhood is high.

For more information regarding the Box Tree Moth and local quarantine guidelines, personnel and residents are encouraged to contact the WPAFB Natural Resources Program 937-257-4857, or 88CEG.CEIE.NaturalResources@us.af.mil or CE Customer Service 937-257-3131.

88th Air Base Wing