Pike County to hold two spongy moth info sessions

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), formerly known as the gypsy moth, is a destructive forest and tree pest responsible for causing significant tree mortality and defoliation. Many of Pike County’s trees and forests have experienced defoliation due to the spongy moth. This severe infestation poses a significant threat to Pike County’s pristine natural environment. Repeated defoliation will impact tree health, leading to tree death, costly tree removals, and loss of ecosystem services that are provided by trees and forests.

The Pike County Commissioners, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Penn State Cooperative Extension, will host two informational sessions on spongy moth management.

Spongy moth management information sessions include:

• Thursday, October 24 at 6 p.m. at the Bushkill Fire Company, 124 Evergreen Drive Bushkill

• Monday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Pike County Training Center, 135 Pike County Blvd., Lords Valley

Session attendees will hear from forest health and tree care specialists sharing techniques to prepare landowners to make informed decisions in preparation of the spring 2025 emergence of spongy moth caterpillars.

For additional information on the meetings, call or email Penn State Extension at 570-825-1791 or luzerneext@psu.edu.

Spongy moth task force

Understanding the problem posed by the spongy moth, the Commissioners’ Office created a short-term task force comprised of knowledgeable residents and municipal leaders to identify potential solutions for upcoming cycles. Its purpose is to encourage countywide engagement along with disseminating education and resources to residents.

“We have been communicating our concerns to DCNR as well as our state representatives in hopes of rectifying the lack of funding from the state. Until then, the task force is an exciting and necessary new venture tasked with suppression ahead of the 2025 spongy moth cycle,” said Pike County Commissioner Christa Caceres, who is also the co-chair of the Spongy Moth Task Force.

The taskforce will hold its first meeting in January 2025. The Spongy Moth Task Force is open to the public and welcomes all to attend meetings. Many municipalities have elected to have representation on the task force. Those that currently do not are encouraged to participate. Meeting details will be provided as they become available.