Pike County is gearing up to tackle the spongy moth problem that has been causing significant damage to local trees and forests. The Milford Borough Shade Tree Commission is set to host a public meeting on September 3 to discuss strategies for managing the spongy moth in 2025. The meeting will take place at the Milford Borough Building at 109 West Catherine Street at 6:30 p.m.
The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, has been responsible for defoliating many of Pike County's trees and forests. Repeated defoliation can lead to tree death, costly tree removals, and loss of ecosystem services provided by trees and forests. The spongy moth has been detected in Pike County, and the trend of high populations and heavy impacts continues in 2023.
The meeting will feature presentations from Vincent Cotrone, a natural resources educator and regional urban forester with Penn State Extension; Kendra McMillin, a forest health specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry; and Jessica Yoder, assistant planning director with Pike County Planning. These experts will share management strategies for controlling spongy moth feeding at the small lot and single tree level to larger forested tracts of land. Techniques that will be discussed will include biological control measures, aerial applications, soil injections, and drone applications.
According to the Pike County Courier, attending this meeting now will prepare landowners to make informed decisions about their trees and forests and prepare for the spring 2025 emergence of spongy moth caterpillars. Waiting until spring is often too late to secure professional help treating your trees and forests.
For more information about the meeting, call Penn State Extension at 570-825-1701.