The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is urging forest landowners and woodlot owners to start planning now for spongy moth treatment this spring to protect their trees from severe damage.
Spongy moths are a major threat to forests, having killed millions of oak and other tree species, and within the past three years, populations have reached outbreak levels, leading to widespread defoliation, according to a news release from the DCNR.
While oak species are the primary target, spongy moths also feed on apple, alder, aspens, basswood, birches, hemlock, pine, spruce, tamarack, willow and witch hazel trees.
The DCNR provides a list of aerial applicators, a suppression guide and expert foresters in each county to assist landowners in planning treatment, according to the release.
For more information, people can visit the spongy moth page on the DCNR website for resources and guidance.
