All articles tagged with #spongy moth
A 1869 accident in Massachusetts, where a French naturalist’s silkworm larvae escaped into the wild, led to the spongy moth becoming North America’s most costly forest pest. After a 20-year delay, the species defoliated 360 square miles and continues to strip over a million acres annually, costing the U.S. $868 million yearly.
The USDA is urging residents to be on the lookout for spongy egg masses of the spotted lanternfly and spongy moth, two invasive insects causing significant economic and environmental damage. Residents are advised to "smash and scrape" the egg masses, seal them in a plastic bag, and dispose of them in municipal trash to prevent hatching. Additional measures include pressure washing outdoor surfaces and checking vehicles and belongings for pests when passing through quarantine areas. Reporting sightings of these pests to state agriculture departments is also encouraged to prevent their spread to new areas.