(WFRV) – An additional county in Wisconsin has been added to a quarantine list regarding the spongy moth, an invasive insect from Europe now present in three-quarters of the counties in the state.
According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), La Crosse County became the 54th of 72 counties in Wisconsin to be listed as a quarantine for this moth, which eats leaves of over 300 tree species.
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Most of eastern and central Wisconsin have already been considered infested by the spongy moth. It’s the first time since 2023 that a new county has been added to the quarantine.
Plant nurseries, Christmas tree farms, loggers and sawmills are impacted the most due to restrictions and inspection guidelines. Each of these businesses have to enter compliance agreements with regulators to certify their products are free of these moths before transporting into non-quarantined locations.
Map Credit: Wisconsin DATCP (La Crosse County was NOT quarantined as of the creation of this map)
People who go camping must be careful, especially when they’re in a quarantine county. Moving outdoor items can be risky and should not be done without clear inspections, as spongy moths can lay egg masses on almost anything outside, with these masses containing up to 1,000 eggs.
“If you are going camping or heading to your cabin, check your gear before leaving to ensure you aren’t carrying spongy moth egg masses or caterpillars with you,” DATCP Plant Industry Bureau Director Brian Kuhn said via release.
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Kuhn said it’s crucial to inspect thoroughly, especially if you’re heading into a space without a quarantine, because it can quickly infest a county without showing immediate damage.
Visit the DATCP Spongy Moth Information page for more information.
