As of 2022, spongy moth is the new common name for Lymantria dispar dispar, previously known as European gypsy moth, EGM or LDD moth. This change does not affect the French name.
Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) is an invasive pest that can destroy trees by eating their leaves.
Where it is
Spongy moth is found in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Spongy moth has been detected in British Columbia, and eradication efforts are currently being implemented by the province. This pest has also been detected in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, although introductions of the insect has been detected and eradicated.
What to look for
Life stages of spongy moth
-
Eggs -
Pupa -
Caterpillar -
Adult, male and female
Signs of infestation
- Larvae chew holes in leaves or devour entire leaves.
- In late July, spongy moth egg masses can be observed on the trunks and branches of infected trees.
- During severe outbreaks, trees and shrubs are completely defoliated over large areas; despite the trees' ability to produce a new crop of leaves over the summer, the damage causes substantial growth loss.
What you can do
- Check for spongy moth on trees and things stored outside, like lawn ornaments, gardening equipment and patio furniture.
- Before you move your vehicle, tarps, camping or sports equipment, look closely for moths or egg masses.
- If you're travelling or going camping, check your camper, trailer, or RV before making the trip! It's important not to accidentally transport invasive pests to new parts of the country.
- If you find them:
- remove or scrape off egg masses, larvae, caterpillars and moths.
- destroy them by soaking them in hot, soapy water for at least 2 days.
- put the destroyed insects in your household garbage.
If you find the spongy moth in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Newfoundland and Labrador, please report it.
What we are doing
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for preventing movement of spongy moths into new areas. The CFIA also intercepts commercial goods and vehicles infested with any spongy moth life stage. We do this by issuing directives and implementing regulated areas to restrict the movement of potentially infested material to areas where spongy moth has not been established.
Collaborative surveillance and monitoring continue in an effort to reduce the spread in Canada.
Directives
- D-08-04: Plant protection import requirements for plants and plant parts for planting
- D-02-12: Phytosanitary import requirements for non-processed wood and other wooden products, bamboo and bamboo products, originating from all areas other than the continental United States
- D-01-12: Phytosanitary Requirements for the Importation and Domestic Movement of Firewood
- D-98-09: Comprehensive policy to control the spread of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), in Canada and the United States
- D-98-08: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada
- D-95-08: Phytosanitary import requirements for fresh temperate fruits and tree nuts
Notices
- Notice to industry – New compliance measures for facilities moving spongy moth host nursery stock outside of a regulated area
- Notice to industry – Update to regulated zones for spongy moth
More information
- Plant pest surveillance
- Spongy moth Pest fact sheet
- Hazards of moving firewood
- Moving across Canada: Don't take spongy moth with you
- Tips for checking your RV, camper or trailer for invasive pests
- British Columbia Ministry of Forests (BC Forests)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture