Spongy Moth Survey

Spongy moth is an insect native to Europe and Asia that has been severely weakening trees across North America.  Spongy moth was introduced to North America in the late 1860’s near Boston and has spread over the past century.  Despite the successful use of insect predators, as well as fungal and viral controls, spongy moth populations do occasionally reach outbreak levels and continue to expand their range.   

Significant defoliation due to this insect began in Central Ontario in 2018 and quickly spread eastward in the following years.  The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) conducted province-wide surveys in 2019, 2020, and 2021.  There was minimal proliferation in Eastern Ontario in 2019, but starting in 2020 significant expansion and damage was detected.

The Friends of Tay Valley have produced an excellent account of the 2019-2021 survey results, prognosis for 2022 and guidance on the managment and control of this pest.   

Visit the MNR website for more recent accounts of the impact of this insect, and for a good overview of its characteriatics and life cycle.