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!