This October, Macomb County’s MSU Extension office is asking residents to help protect Macomb’s trees and outdoor spaces by reporting sightings of Spongy Moth egg masses to its Spongy Moth hotline at 586-469-6432.
These egg masses are easy to spot - they appear as fuzzy, yellow-brown clumps, about 1 to 2 inches long, and are often found on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, playsets, sheds, fences, vehicles, and other outdoor surfaces around your home. If you see an egg mass, don’t ignore it. Call the Spongy Moth hotline to report its location.
MSU Extension also wants to be informed of any sightings found on public property, such as your local park, wooded areas or trails. Once reported, trained surveyors will inspect the area to determine whether suppression treatments will be needed next year.
Why is reporting Spongy Moth egg masses important? Spongy Moth egg masses are strong enough to survive Michigan winters. In the spring, each egg mass hatches into hundreds of caterpillars that feed on tree leaves, leaving trees vulnerable to disease, drought, and even death after repeated infestations. It is important to keep their population down so tree canopies remain healthy and full. By reporting egg masses now, residents are helping to protect Macomb County’s trees, parks, and neighborhoods from a damaging outbreak next year.
To learn more
- Spongy Moth – an overview
- Spongy Moth – life cycle
- Spongy Moth – surveying egg masses
- Images of Spongy Moths
- MSU Extension – programs and services in Macomb County
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