Ohio Department of Agriculture sprayed for Spongy Moths

NEW MATAMORAS, Ohio (WTAP) – The Spongy Moth has, over the years, invaded different parts of Ohio, including a portion of Washington County.

According to Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Spongy Moth Program Manager Jonathan Shields, the moths can affect up to 300 different plants, with Oak trees being the main ones.

Following recent trapping of the month, it was determined that an area near New Matamoras had increased numbers, which led to it being sprayed along with other parts of the state.

Shields explains more about the spray that they use.

“The treatment that we did is called mating disruption, and the product that we use contains the pheromone that is very specific to the Spongy Moth. The males can’t really tell if they are moving toward a female moth or toward a little droplet of the product that we put out there. It makes it very difficult for them to find a mate, and the result is that the following year, we have a much lower population of Spongy Moth,” said Shields.

He went on to add that in order to help prevent the spread, you should check items like campers, sheds, and other items before you move them to a new area.

For more information on Spongy Moths you can visit Spongy Moth Program – Ohio Department of Agriculture or Slow the Spread Program.

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