The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) is an invasive pest in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. It isn't present in western Canada or in Newfoundland and Labrador.
It can defoliate trees in our campgrounds, forests and neighbourhoods.
Things stored outside, including campers, trailers, outdoor furniture and play equipment, could transport the spongy moth. Egg masses, larvae, caterpillars and moths must be removed before you move these items to an area where the spongy moth isn't present.
Protect your new neighbourhood. Make sure the spongy moth doesn't hitch a ride with you. Canada's trees depend on you.
Check the map of regulated areas for spongy moth to find out if the risk of transporting this pest applies to you.
Check your postal code
If you're moving from a postal code starting with B to N (the Maritimes, Quebec and southern Ontario) to a postal code starting with A or R to Y (Newfoundland and Labrador, western Canada or the Territories), the LDD moth could be moving with you on your vehicle or your outdoor belongings.
If you are moving from a postal code starting with P (northern Ontario), please also look for this moth, especially if you're moving from:
- Timiskaming district
- Sudbury district
- Algoma district – in or south of the following counties:
- Alanen
- Ashley
- Bernst
- Carmody
- Chenard
- Glasgow
- Huotari
- Leguerrier
- Meath
- Memaskwosh
You should also be on the lookout and apply the same measures if you are going on a camping trip to western Canada, the Territories or Newfoundland and Labrador in your RV, tent or trailer.
Description: List of provinces and first letter of postal code
- Newfoundland and Labrador: A
- Nova Scotia: B
- Prince Edward Island: C
- New Brunswick: E
- Eastern Quebec: G
- Metropolitan Montréal: H
- Western Quebec: J
- Eastern Ontario: K
- Central Ontario: L
- Metropolitan Toronto: M
- Southwestern Ontario: N
- Northern Ontario: P
- Manitoba: R
- Saskatchewan: S
- Alberta: T
- British Columbia: V
- Northwest Territories and Nunavut: X
- Yukon: Y
What you need to do
- Inspect things stored outside that will be moving with you, including your camper and vehicle
- Look closely at things like tarps, yard and garden items, sports equipment and outdoor furniture (including the underside)
- 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
For more information
- Fact sheet
- Spongy moth pest card – PDF (1,105 kb)
- Spongy moth
- D-98-09: Comprehensive policy to control the spread of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) in Canada and the United States
- Before moving, check for the gypsy moth (US)