KY FY26 Spongy Moth Survey

Spongy Moth Detection Survey Abstract 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 in states surrounding Kentucky on all sides. The Cooperator will hire independent contractors to perform a detection survey across Kentucky according to national protocol. Personnel from the University of Kentucky will train and supervise the surveyors. Independent contractors will set approximately 3,086 traps set on a 3k grid. Surveyors will be paid $28 per trap. Half will be paid for setting the trap and half for removing the trap. Traps and lure will be provided by PPQ. Surveyors will be hired and trained by personnel from the University of Kentucky through the Cooperative Agreement. The survey will start after surveyors are trained and funding, traps, and lures are received in Spring 2026 and will continue until September 2026. All suspect moths will be initially screened by personnel from the University of Kentucky, Office of the State Entomologist.