The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) plans to address spongy moth infestations in seven counties during 2026. Residents in the affected areas were notified by mail in February, and information sessions are scheduled for March to gather public input. Management activities may begin as early as April and continue through June.
The management efforts will target nine blocks across Haywood, Watauga, Stokes, Rowan, Warren, Franklin, and Currituck counties, covering a total of 28,766 acres. Specific trapping data indicate varying levels of infestation in each area. For example, Haywood County had 2,656 male moths trapped in 2024; after treatment in 2025, this number dropped to 637. In Currituck County, where no treatment occurred in 2025, the number of trapped male moths increased from 437 in 2024 to 850 in 2025.
Emma Schoeppner, NCDA&CS Spongy Moth program manager, stated: “We have a total of nine blocks involving 28,766 acres to manage. Haywood and Stokes counties each have two blocks that will receive two treatment types. We plan to start Btk treatment during April in Currituck, Stokes, Haywood and Wataugacounties. We will then start mating disruption treatment of Haywood, Stokes, Rowan, Warren and Franklin counties in early June, adding or subtracting a few days to cover possible weather delays.”
The planned treatments involve low-altitude helicopter application of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstakii (Btk) for areas with heavy infestations. Areas with smaller populations will be treated using fixed-wing aircraft dispersing SPLAT Gypsy Moth-Organic containing the spongy moth pheromone. According to NCDA&CS officials, these methods are targeted only at spongy moths and are not harmful to humans, plants or pets.
Spongy moths feed on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs—mainly oaks and hardwoods—and can cause severe defoliation that weakens trees against other pests and weather events. Severe infestations may lead to tree death. The caterpillars can also present health concerns due to their hairs and droppings causing allergic reactions among people with respiratory issues.
Since the 1970s NCDA&CS has responded to spot introductions of spongy moths throughout North Carolina. The upcoming treatments are being coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
NCDA&CS enhances quality of life through forest management initiatives while supporting community farming practices (official website). The agency includes specialized divisions such as the NC Forest Service for resource management (official website). Agriculture remains a significant part of North Carolina’s economy with agriculture and agribusiness contributing $102 billion annually (official website). Under Commissioner Steve Troxler’s leadership (official website), NCDA&CS works toward food safety and sustainable farming (official website).
For more information about session dates or how to receive notifications about treatments via text or email visit: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/plant-protection/entomological-services/Proposed-Spongy-Moth-Management or call toll-free at 800-206-9333.
