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Updated Compliance Rules for Box Tree Moth Quarantine Shipping

Updated Compliance Rules for Box Tree Moth Quarantine Shipping


By Andi Anderson

As of 2025, nurseries in 13 southeastern and central Michigan counties must follow new compliance rules to ship Buxus (boxwood) outside the quarantine zone for box tree moth.

These updates follow the Federal Order from May 2024, which removed the need for regulated article labels but retained strict shipment regulations.

To legally move boxwood out of the quarantine zone, nurseries must sign a compliance agreement with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This includes implementing a pest management plan and meeting standards in trapping, training, treatment, inspection, and shipping notification.

Key Requirements Include:

  • Trapping: Follow protocols for trap placement and pheromone replacement every 4 weeks.
  • Training: Designated staff must complete official training on identifying and managing box tree moth.
  • Scouting: Trained personnel must regularly scout and report pest findings within two business days.
  • Insecticide Treatment: Apply approved pesticides to boxwood during early pest stages and within 14 days of shipment—an increase from 7 days in 2024.
  • Inspection & Certification: Plants must be inspected within 24 hours of shipping, and certification must accompany shipments.
  • Notification: Nurseries must alert the destination state’s Department of Agriculture before shipping.
  • Recordkeeping: All records must be kept for a minimum of 36 months.

2025 Updates Include:

  • The pre-shipment treatment window has been extended from 7 to 14 days.
  • Mainspring (cyantraniliprole) and Perm-Up 3.2 (permethrin) have been added to the approved treatment list.

These changes aim to better control the spread of Cydalima perspectalis and protect landscape and nursery industries across the region. Nurseries must stay current with MDARD guidelines to remain in compliance.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic

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Categories: Michigan, General

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