MADISON, Wis. — The number of spongy moths in Wisconsin is rising, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said Friday.
DATCP reported over 202,000 spongy moths were trapped over the summer as part of a federal program. Wisconsin averaged 20.1 moths caught per trap, up from 9.3 moths per trap in 2021.
Officials said the increase was as expected in areas of central-eastern Wisconsin, moderate in the southwest and west-central areas of the state and higher than expected in the northwest.
The moths are considered an invasive pest, whose caterpillars eat the leaves of tree and shrub species. When feeding in large numbers, the caterpillars can cause severe leaf loss. DATCP uses aerial spray treatments to help stop the moth.
You can help stop the moth’s spread by removing their egg masses, which are tan, oval or bulb-shaped, and are just bigger than a quarter. The masses can be found on trees, vehicles, fences,
playground equipment or buildings.
Crushing the mass is not enough to destroy it. You will need to remove the mass and place it in warm, soapy water. Allow it to soak for a few days then throw it away. You can also spray it with Horticultural oil.
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