DCNR PHOTO Spongy moth caterpillars are pictured.

PHOTO PROVIDED
Spongy moths are pictured emerging from tan colored egg cases.

With yesterday’s sun and warm temperatures expected next week, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently began to urge Pennsylvania’s forest landowners and woodlot owners to start planning for spongy moth treatment in the upcoming spring to protect trees from severe damage.

Spongy moths (Lymantria dispar dispar) are a major threat to the Commonwealth’s forests, having killed millions of oak and other tree species, according to a release from DCNR.

For the past three years, populations have reached outbreak levels, leading to widespread defoliation. With nearly 70 percent of Pennsylvania’s forests privately owned, DCNR is encouraging landowners to secure aerial spraying services while availability remains.

“Private landowners play a critical role in protecting Pennsylvania’s forests,” State Forester Seth Cassell said. “Early action against spongy moth caterpillars can help prevent widespread tree loss.”

DCNR provides a list of aerial applicators at https://bit.ly/applicatorsDCNR, a suppression guide at https://bit.ly/suppressionguideDCNR, and expert foresters in each county to assist landowners in planning treatment. For Clinton County, those interested in learning more may contact Elinor Greenaway by calling 570-923-6011 or by email at egreenaway@pa.gov.

The release from DCNR notes spongy moth egg mass surveys are the best way to determine the need for treatment. Female moths lay light tan egg masses — each containing 100 to 1,500 eggs — on trees, rocks and other surfaces from June to July.

For maximum effectiveness, treatment should target small caterpillars during their critical development stage in May. With limited aerial applicators and a short treatment window, landowners should schedule services as soon as possible.

DCNR uses Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) and Tebufenozide (Mimic) — safe and effective products — to suppress infestations.

Last year, DCNR treated more than 227,000 acres of state forest and park lands, with the Pennsylvania Game Commission treating another 120,000 acres.

This year, DCNR plans to treat approximately 75,000 acres, primarily in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, and PGC plans to treat approximately 38,000 acres.

The aggressive spongy moth spray programs in 2022, 2023, and 2024 have contributed to an overall decline in spongy moth populations with some parts of the state experiencing spongy moth population crashes.

While oak species are the primary target, spongy moth caterpillars also feed on:

— Apple

— Alder

— Aspens

— Basswood

— Birches

— Hemlock

— Pine

— Spruce

— Tamarack (larch)

— Willows

— Witch hazel

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/spongymothinfo for resources and guidance.