6,700 Spongy Moth Traps Planned Across Wisconsin for 2026

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) plans to deploy about 6,700 traps across western and central Wisconsin in 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor and manage spongy moth populations.

Trap installation will take place from mid-May through early July in 36 counties throughout the state.

Locations for the traps are selected using a combination of mapping data and monitoring grids. While most traps will be placed along public road rights-of-way, some may be installed on private property when evidence suggests a nearby emerging spongy moth population.

DATCP is asking residents to leave all traps undisturbed during the monitoring period.

“Traps are used both to monitor known spongy moth populations and to identify new populations in previously uninfested areas,” says Amanda Miller, DATCP Spongy Moth Trapping Coordinator.

“Even though spongy moth populations drastically decreased across the state again last season, there are still new outlier populations developing in western Wisconsin. Data collected from traps this season will be crucial in the program’s effort to pinpoint these new populations and limit their spread before infestations become large enough to cause damage to trees.”

The traps are small green boxes that are either stapled to or hung from trees. They contain a lure that mimics the scent released by flightless female spongy moths, attracting adult males. The scent is species-specific and is not detectable by people, animals, or other insects.

Although the traps capture male moths, their primary purpose is surveillance rather than population control. The information collected helps guide future management and treatment decisions.

Monitoring staff will inspect selected traps during the summer and begin removing all traps from late August through September.

DATCP personnel can be identified by high-visibility safety vests and official identification. Each trap includes a QR code and phone number for questions, damage reports, or removal requests.

For more information, contact (800) 642-6684, or email spongymoth@wisconsin.gov.

Photo Credit: pexels-thomas-elliott