Superior Quality Logs

 THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE 

 FOREST PEST  

The Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar  dispar), formerly known as the Gypsy  Moth, is the most destructive forest  insect pest to infest northeastern U.S.  forests. Repeated defoliation by the  Spongy Moth poses a serious threat to  woodland and shade trees. Most trees  survive 1-2 defoliations, but the third is  nearly always fatal. It can kill about  65% of the trees in a forest.  Spongy Moths are known to feed on  oak, maple, apple, crab apple, hickory,  basswood, aspen, willow, and birch,  although oak is their preferred species.  Since 1970, the Spongy Moth has  destroyed about 83 million acres of  forest.  Regularly check for early signs of  infestation, so you can act quickly to  control the population before it  spreads. If you spot spongy moth egg  masses or larvae, report them to local  agricultural or forestry authorities for  further action.   Taking a combination of these steps,  particularly when implemented early in  the moth's life cycle, can help control  spongy moth populations and protect  trees from further damage. 

 WHAT CAN WE DO  AGAINST SPONGY MOTH  

The most efficient way to eliminate  Spongy Moth is through aerial spraying  with the organic insecticide BT  (Bacillus thuringiensis). BT is a  naturally occurring bacterium in the  soil that produces proteins toxic to  certain insects when ingested.  Spraying can be carried out using a  crop duster, helicopter, or drone. CTI  offers this service using drones, as we  believe it is the most effective method.  One reason for this is that drones fly  closest to the treetops, delivering the  insecticide with minimal drift and  ensuring deeper penetration due to the  air turbulence the rotors generate.  Landowners can also reduce the  impact of Spongy Moth by scraping egg  masses off trees into a small container  of soapy water and disposing of them  properly. There is a wealth of  information available online. CTI has  also used a small propane torch to  burn the egg masses on trees, which is  a fast and secure way to destroy all  accessible eggs. Please only use this  method when the weather permits. 

WHY SHOULD WE SPRAY AGAINST SPONGY MOTH 

Like most decisions regarding our home and property, it ultimately comes down to money. Spraying against Spongy Moth is not as expensive as you might think. In the Hudson Valley, the average stumpage price for Red Oak, most likely the dominant species on your property, is about $450 per MBF. Considering a low average of 1,000 board feet (BF) per acre, you will have a timber value of $450 per acre. The cost of spraying is typically around 15% +/- of the timber value per acre. The true value of the timber can only be determined through a timber cruise.

Trees do not grow in one generation or a few years; they are a long-term investment and an excellent "savings account" because they grow about 7% per year all by themselves. But sometimes, we need to help them survive, just as we do with all our valuables, whether it's changing the oil in our cars, keeping an exotic car in a heated garage, painting the house, or taking our pets to the vet.

There are a few variables in the cost, such as the choice of BT and the concentration at which it is applied. Another factor is the size of the property.

Please contact us at  SpongyMoth@ctilogs.com   and include your address, the property address, and your contact information.