Steps You Can Take
If you encounter a tree affected by spongy moth, there are a few things you can do to help.
- Read the Homeowners Guide to Spongy Moth Management(PDF, 1MB) tip sheet
- Water the tree(s) throughout the summer to help with leaf regrowth
- Remove egg masses and wrap trees with a barrier
- Treat the tree(s) with an insecticide like B.t. caterpillar and webworm control
- Contact a local forester for treatment options. Foresters can be found at the International Society of Arborculture's website
- Report sightings of spongy moth to 311
Scrape Egg Masses
October through late April
Look for egg masses on tree trunks and scrape them into a cup of soapy water using a plastic putty knife or other dull scraping tool. Egg masses are light brown, sponge-like in appearance and about the size of a quarter.
Watch a how-to video
Apply Tree Bands
Late April through Late May
Just after caterpillars have hatched, when they are small and young, barrier bands will prevent them from climbing back into trees after ballooning or when they have fallen.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN TREE BAND
Barrier bands can be made using duct tape and/or a waterproof, sticky material such as Tanglefoot insect barrier or petroleum jelly.
- When the bark is dry, wrap duct tape around the tree, shiny side out, pressing the tape firmly into the bark cracks to prevent caterpillars from slipping under the bands
- Turn the tape over and wrap once more with the sticky side up. The tape should be wrapped a few inches wide and placed around the tree trunk at chest height (about four feet) above the ground
- If possible, spread additional sticky Tanglefoot or vasoline onto the lower portion of the barrier.
Watch a how-to video
Videos
Watch the following videos: