MDARD MDARD, USDA taking immediate action to safeguard against invasive pest For immediate release: May 28, 2021 LANSING, MI - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has identified box tree moth ( Cydalima perspectalis) in nurseries and greenhouses in the United States, including Michigan. This is the first detection of this invasive species in the nation. Box tree moth is not considered a forest pest because boxwood is not native to Michigan forests. However, if left unchecked, it could cause significant defoliation and death of boxwood in the landscape. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising anyone, including landscapers, who purchased boxwood plants within the last two months to inspect their plants very closely for the invasive pest. Signs of infestation include silky webbing and possibly caterpillars located deep inside of the plants.