HARRISBURG, PA — In the face of a rising spongy moth caterpillar outbreak, Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is calling on forest managers and woodlot owners across the Commonwealth to prepare for spring treatment operations. The appeal aims to underscore the urgency in combating this invasive species that threatens the health of Pennsylvania’s forests.
The spongy moth caterpillar, scientifically known as Lymantria dispar dispar, has been observed at outbreak levels over the past three years. With 70 percent of the state’s forest lands privately owned, private landowners’ participation in planning and implementing treatment operations could be critical to controlling these pests effectively.
“Private forest landowners play a critical role in assuring the overall health of forests in Pennsylvania,” State Forester Seth Cassell said in a recent statement. He emphasized the need for forest stewards’ proactive response to the spongy moth threat, which could significantly help protect trees and forests from the insects’ feeding habits.
To facilitate these efforts, the DCNR provides a list of aerial applicators, a guide for conducting spongy moth suppression on private lands, and service foresters in each county to advise on suppression efforts. These resources aim to equip private landowners with the necessary tools and guidance to combat the moth outbreak effectively.
The timing of the treatment is crucial. The most effective treatment window typically falls in May when the caterpillars are at a specific developmental stage. Given the finite number of available applicators and the relatively short period of treatment effectiveness, early planning is key to securing treatment services in the spring.
The DCNR has demonstrated its commitment to controlling the spongy moth population in the past. In 2023, it treated more than 290,000 acres of state forest and state park lands, while the Pennsylvania Game Commission treated over 100,000 acres of state game lands. The DCNR is planning another large suppression treatment program for 2024, targeting roughly 228,000 acres.
The products used on state lands, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) and Mimic, are proven to be effective and safe. Their use in the upcoming spring treatments could significantly curb the spongy moth caterpillar population, helping to protect Pennsylvania’s forests from further damage.
The implications of this call to action extend beyond the health of Pennsylvania’s forests. Forests play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing recreational spaces for residents and tourists alike. Therefore, protecting them against invasive species like the spongy moth caterpillars is not just an ecological necessity, but also a step towards safeguarding the state’s economy and quality of life.
As such, the success of these suppression efforts will largely depend on the collective action of both private and public stakeholders. The DCNR’s appeal highlights the importance of collaboration and early planning in securing the health of Pennsylvania’s forests for years to come.
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