Spongy moth caterpillar on a leaf

Pike County Conservation District > Programs & Services > Spongy Moths (formerly Gypsy Moth)

Spongy Moths (formerly Gypsy Moth)

 Updated as of December 12, 2023

Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) — formerly known as gypsy moth — is a destructive forest pest responsible for killing millions of oak and other trees across the state.

  • Females lay their tan egg masses in June & July, which hatch the following year at the end of April to the beginning of May.
  • Egg mass surveys are recommended for late summer to fall but can be done throughout winter.
  • For foliar treatments, a week or two after hatch is the recommended treatment time depending on the insecticide being used.

 

In 2021, 2022, & 2023 there were high populations and heavy impacts in central & northcentral PA. The DCNR Bureau of Forestry has cited predicted heavy spongy moth defoliation once again in 2024 in the What Can We Do About the Spongy Moth Outbreak article in their Fall 2023 Bureau of Forestry Newsletter. While the high spongy moth populations of this "boom" in their "boom and bust cycle" is expected to end at some point, unpredictable factors like seasonal weather make it difficult to forecast.

Trees that lose their leaves to spongy moth defoliation are weakened and are more susceptible to other stressors like drought, but recent defoliation does not necessarily mean that a tree will die.

 

If you are interested in setting up your own private spray program, please refer to the links below:

Guide to Conducting a Private Spongy Moth Suppression Program provided by DCNR

Aerial Applicators Licensed to Work in Pennsylvania provided by DCNR

DCNR Service Forester to Each County provided by DCNR

Guide to Spongy Moth Egg Mass Surveying provided by Penn State Extension

Close up of female adult spongy moth and egg mass on tree bark
Female adult and Egg mass
Spongy Moth Caterpillar on a branch
Spongy Moth Caterpillar
2023 map of spongy moth suppression programs completed in Pike County
An illustration of rain falling into puddles on the ground
FACT

We all live downstream. Our water quality is directly affected by our upstream neighbors, and our choices will impact the water quality for our downstream neighbors.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
  • Minimize impervious surfaces.
  • Do not remove trees and other plants next to streams, lakes and wetlands.
  • Plant native plants to absorb heavy rain falls.
  • Direct rain gutters onto lawn or garden.
  • Construct rain gardens and use rain barrels.