2015 Trapping and 2016 Treatment Efforts
2016 Treatments - Background Information
'Spongy Moth Threat
In 2015, WSDA trapped 10 Asian spongy moths and 32 European spongy moths in Western Washington. It is the highest number of Asian spongy moths ever trapped in Washington and the first time since 1999 that Asian spongy moth has been found in our state.
Experts advised WSDA to treat some areas for spongy moth
A panel that included experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended aerial applications of a biological insecticide known as Btk at several locations where spongy moths were found in 2015. In April and May, WSDA used the formulation of Btk approved for organic agriculture to treat seven sites. The treatments were conducted when the moths were in the caterpillar stage.
Click here for environmental review documents for the 2016 eradication project.
2016 Treatment Areas
The standard treatment for any discovery of Asian spongy moth is to treat a one-square mile area around the location of the detection. Treatment is recommended for European spongy moths when a reproducing population is discovered.
Seattle
The treatment area included 130 acres in Capitol Hill where 22 European spongy moths were caught in traps set this past summer.
Click here to view completed treatment application maps for Capitol Hill in Seattle.
Kent
Two Asian spongy moths were captured in this area. The treatment covered an area of 640 acres.
Click here to view completed treatment application maps for Kent.
Tacoma Port Area
Four Asian spongy moths were captured in this area. The treatment included 7,000 acres with portions of the Port of Tacoma, Northeast Tacoma, Fife and Milton. Tacoma will be treated in two sections.
Click here to view completed treatment application maps for Upper Tacoma
Click Here to view completed treatment application maps for Lower Tacoma
Gig Harbor
An Asian spongy moth was captured in this area. The treatment covered an area of 600 acres.
Click here to view completed treatment application maps for Gig Harbor.
Nisqually
An Asian spongy moth was captured in this area. The treatment covered an area of 640 acres.
Click here to view completed treatment application maps for Nisqually.
Lacey
An Asian spongy moth was captured in this area. The treatment covered an area of 640 acres.
Click here to view completed treatment application maps for Lacey.
Vancouver
An Asian spongy moth was captured in this area. The treatment covered an area of 800 acres primarily in the Port of Vancouver.
Watch and Learn
For more information:
- Learn more about the spongy moth 2015 trapping and 2016 treatment plan by watching our virtual open house.
- You can also learn more about the spongy moth threat in general by watching our latest spongy moth video.