Pennsylvania landowners urged to protect trees from spongy moths
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is pushing for landowners to protect their land from spongy moths.
Spongy moths are a major threat to forests and have killed millions of trees across the Commonwealth. For the past three years, populations have reached outbreak levels and have contributed to widespread defoliation. Nearly 70% of Pennsylvania's forests are privately owned, so the DCNR is encouraging landowners to secure aerial spraying services while availability remains.
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Oak trees are the primary target, but spongy moth caterpillars also feed on:
Apple
Alder
Aspens
Basswood
Birches
Hemlock
Pine
Spruce
Tamarack (larch)
Willows
Witch hazel
Treatment should target the 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 provides a list of aerial applicators, a suppression guide, and expert foresters in each county to assist landowners.
In 2024, the DCNR treated over 220,000 acres of state forest or park land and is planning to treat 75,000 acres, mainly in northeast and central Pennsylvania.
Female spongy moths lay egg masses containing anywhere from 100-1,500 eggs each during June and July. You can learn more about the spongy moth on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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