ANNAPOLIS, MD (March, 6,2026) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has taken action to protect the state's nursery industries by issuing a quarantine for the box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. This quarantine, effective immediately, will restrict the movement of regulated articles within the designated zone.

According to MDA officials, the box tree moth poses a significant threat to the region's nursery industries as it primarily feeds on boxwoods, an important ornamental shrub used in landscaping. The caterpillars of this invasive species feed on the underside of leaves, making early infestations difficult to detect. Additionally, their short development time allows for multiple generations to live off a single shrub, resulting in rapid defoliation. This intensive feeding can limit the shrub's ability to recover and can even lead to its death if the caterpillars begin eating the bark.

Originally native to East Asia, the box tree moth was first detected in the United States in 2021 in Niagara County, New York. With its high mobility rate of 3-6 miles per year, it has since established populations in neighboring states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. To help control its spread into Maryland's borders, residents are urged to monitor their boxwoods closely. The MDA website offers more information and resources from USDA and UMD Extension.

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To monitor and manage this pest within Maryland's borders, MDA's Plant Protection and Weed Management program will work alongside USDA and University of Maryland Extension. If anyone suspects they have found a box tree moth or any signs of infestation, they are encouraged to contact MDA with a picture for confirmation. For inquiries about quarantine and treatment procedures, individuals can call 410-841-5920.

In addition to this quarantine for the box tree moth, MDA has also expanded its quarantine for another invasive species - the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). This quarantine now includes Dorchester, Saint Mary's, Somerset, and Worcester counties, making it a statewide initiative. The spotted lanternfly poses a significant threat to agriculture as it feeds on over 70 types of crops and plants. Since its arrival from Asia in 2014, it has spread from Pennsylvania to multiple states. To prevent further spread within Maryland, businesses must obtain a specialized permit through a free online training course offered by PennState Extension. This permit is valid across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Businesses and municipalities within the quarantine zone must also obtain a specialized permit to move regulated items that may harbor the spotted lanternfly. These items include construction waste, packing materials, plants, and vehicles. Residents are urged to report any sightings of this pest via MDA's online survey and can access additional resources on the program's website.

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In other news, MDA has repealed the quarantine for pine products that was established in 2010 and expanded statewide in 2016 due to the pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda). This decision follows USDA's deregulation of the pest in 2020 after finding that the regulatory program was ineffective and that industry mitigation procedures were more cost-effective. However, Maryland will continue to monitor for this pest, and businesses are advised to inspect pine products for any signs of infestation before shipment. More information about the pine shoot beetle can be found on MDA's website.

Lastly, MDA has lifted the quarantine on walnut products that was enacted in 2015 due to Thousand Canker Disease (TCD), caused by the walnut twig beetle and Geosmithia morbida fungus. This decision is based on limited movement of the disease within Maryland's borders and minimal damage to infected trees. Similar actions have been taken by neighboring states as well. The MDA will continue to monitor TCD, and businesses are encouraged to inspect walnut products before shipping. More information about TCD can be found on MDA's website.

In conclusion, MDA is taking necessary measures to protect Maryland's agriculture and natural resources from these invasive species. The department urges residents and businesses to stay vigilant and report any sightings or signs of infestation to help control their spread. More information about these quarantines and other pests can be found on MDA's website.

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