Notice: LDD moth (European gypsy moth) has a new official common name: spongy moth
The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD), formerly known as European gypsy moth is a non-native defoliating insect that feeds on a variety of tree species found in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and throughout North America. The City of Toronto’s management program focuses on controlling outbreak levels of Spongy moths in areas with trees that are at risk of defoliation, typically oak-dominant communities.
Aerial spraying to control spongy may take place if there is a significant outbreak that warrants this action. Caterpillar development, leaf size, and weather conditions will determine the timing of the spray. If aerial spraying is deemed necessary, information about the pesticides being used in the aerial spray and the exact timing of the spray dates will be made communicated through media outlets, social media, the City website and other means.
To report Spongy Moth caterpillar, moth, or egg mass sightings, please use the Spongy Moth Reporting Tool. Spongy Moth reporting can also be done by contacting 311 Toronto.
This information will not trigger a staff inspection, but will be used to plan the Spongy Moth egg mass survey done in the fall. Results from the fall survey will be used to determine the following year's treatment plans.
For more information about spongy moth, how the City manages this pest, and alerts regarding aerial spray, visit: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/trees/forest-management/threats-to-trees-insects/spongy-moth/