Forest health experts are predicting another outbreak year of spongy moth in the region…
What can I do to protect my trees? Property owners who want to act against spongy moth defoliation can…

I just returned to Madeline after a week at home in the Twin Cities. The spongy moth caterpillar activity seems to have slowed and quieted compared to before I left, with some caterpillars forming pupae. They have eaten the leaves of many trees and shrubs of a variety of species, and some areas of the island appear completely defoliated. In areas where the caterpillar populations were highest, even conifers have been defoliated. 

While it may seem like a waste of time at this point, I encourage you to take action to help reduce the numbers of adults that will emerge from the pupae, and thus the number of potential caterpillars next year.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PUT BURLAP BANDS ON YOUR YARD TREES! From WI DNR June 9, 2023: “Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health staff are cautioning Wisconsin residents that the next two months could bring the worst spongy moth outbreak in more than a decade.” Click image for lots more info! In July: “Crush & brush” pupae and adult females. Avoid touching the hairy caterpillars and shed skins!

Update to Kathy Kromroy’s spongy moth island survey article in the MIWP 2022 newsletter: I was completely taken aback at the widespread occurrence of spongy moth caterpillars and the extent of their defoliation on the Island this summer. I had been completely unaware of egg masses in other areas of the Island—areas that I had not viewed as high risk for introduction! There are things you can do to protect high value trees in a yard or small woodlot. Click the link below to read the article for more info… REMEMBER: Human movement of infected items is the main way spongy moth is introduced to new locations. Before leaving the island and before coming to the island, inspect and destroy all forms of spongy moth (egg mass, caterpillar, pupa, or moth) on any items you are carrying, including firewood and your vehicle. Read the full update article in Education & Advocacy.