KY FY23 Spongy Moth Delimiting

Spongy moth is a serious forest pest endemic to the northeastern states. Kentucky is nearly surrounded by regulated, infested areas in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and eastern Tennessee. The possibility of spongy moth spread to Kentucky is very high due to the popularity of Kentucky’s recreational areas and the number of people moving into the metropolitan areas from the northeast. Our survey will cover as much of the state as possible because of the close proximity of spongy moth present in states surrounding Kentucky on all sides. This trapping program will target areas that were identified as potential problems during the detection survey in 2022. The goal is to quickly eradicate moths from these areas before they become infestations that require the expenditure of large amounts of time and money to eradicate. Survey results will be entered into an APHIS approved database. We have been very successful in keeping spongy moth out of Kentucky through close monitoring via detection and delimiting surveys. Even though it has become established in states surrounding Kentucky, this pest has not become established here. We have had three infestations since the program started and all were eradicated within 3 years of discovery. These infestations were initially discovered due to the extensive yearly trapping program. Continuing and expanding the spongy moth survey in Kentucky will continue to safeguard Kentucky’s high quality oak forests.