First, it was the spotted lanternfly wreaking havoc and killing trees and shrubbery in Bucks County and throughout Pennsylvania.
Now, there’s another invasive species chewing through vast numbers of trees and shrubs in Pennsylvania: the spongy moth .
The spongy moth — which also goes by the scientific name Lymantria dispar dispar and once known as the European gypsy moth — is deemed a hazard, as it defoliates trees, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and other pests, and can eventually kill the tree, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The spongy moth has a spongy or hair-like covering, which allows it to survive through the winter months and can be inadvertently transferred to household items and agricultural products.
Delaware, Ohio, New York and New Jersey are also listed as states within the spongy moth quarantine area .
Here’s everything else you need to know about this invasive species, including how to eradicate them ahead of spring gardening.