Washington plans aerial spraying in two counties to kill tree-destroying spongy moth

When the invasive spongy moth is in its caterpillar phase, it isn’t a picky eater.

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While the pest prefers leafy hardwoods, like oaks, Salp said she’s seen them feed on conifers – the category that includes iconic Northwest species like the Douglas fir and western hemlock.

Fortunately, Washington has had success over the past five decades in detecting and eradicating the pests – formerly known as gypsy moths.

That work will continue in the days and weeks ahead, with aerial spraying in the Olympia region and around the town of Concrete in Skagit County. In these areas, there’s “imminent danger of an infestation,” according to an emergency proclamation Gov. Jay Inslee issued Wednesday.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/05/08/washington-plans-aerial-spraying-in-two-counties-to-kill-tree-destroying-spongy-moth/