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Is this boxwood moth damage #930120

Asked April 30, 2026, 8:53 AM EDT

Read your article on the moth and I believe mine might be in trouble. Can I cut back the yellow parts and what do you treat them with? I have had a (i believe a mite)probably the last 3 years and used sevin spray to kill them.

Midland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello there!

If you indeed have box tree moth, and notice signs of the insect in addition to the foliage symptoms (browning, defoliation), you can absolutely prune and treat (more details on how here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/safeguard-against-spreading-the-invasive-box-tree-moth). However, given the problematic status of boxwood in Michigan and its high susceptibility to serious pests and diseases, you might want to consider replacing your boxwood with less labor-intensive native flowering options (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/native_plants_for_michigan_landscapes_shrubs) or, if you like your shrubs to be evergreen, yew or holly (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/beyond-boxwood-alternative-landscape-shrubs-for-michigan-gardeners). 

Thank you for your question!  Replied May 02, 2026, 6:42 PM EDT

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