Hi James,

YES, it’s the work of the spongy moth caterpillars. Everybody is suffering from the invasion this year. They especially like oak trees. There is not much to be done at this point, except squish all that you can and destroy the egg masses when you see them. 

To read more about it, check out our website for fact sheets on spongy moth and other invasive species. Ccedutchess.org/gardening

Hi James,

YES, it’s the work of the spongy moth caterpillars. Everybody is suffering from the invasion this year. They especially like oak trees. There is not much to be done at this point, except squish all that you can and destroy the egg masses when you see them.

To read more about it, check out our website for fact sheets on spongy moth and other invasive species. Ccedutchess.org/gardening

Hi James,

YES, it’s the work of the spongy moth caterpillars. Everybody is suffering from the invasion this year. They especially like oak trees. There is not much to be done at this point, except squish all that you can and destroy the egg masses when you see them.

To read more about it, check out our website for fact sheets on spongy moth and other invasive species. Ccedutchess.org/gardening

Hi Jim,

Unfortunately what I think you’re seeing is the FRASS (excrement) of the spongy moth caterpillars. It’s a little smaller than black pepper before it’s ground up and it’s sprinkled everywhere. Disgusting, I know. The egg masses which appear on trees, under eaves, etc. is mustard colored and fuzzy looking. They can easily be scraped off and put into a bucket of soapy water for a day to insure they’re DEAD. There can be up to 600-700 eggs in each mass!

We have a helpful fact sheet on spongy moths and other pests and diseases on our website that’s you can download. CCEdutchess.org/gardening

The worst of it is  almost over but be on the lookout for the egg masses in the fall and DESTROY them. 

Good luck,