Spongy Moth & Other Pests – Snyder County, PA Government

2024: Spongy Moth Caterpillars Found in Snyder County Many people have been noticing large groups of small caterpillars on their property or other outdoor places within Snyder County. There is a good chance that they are spongy moth caterpillars, the larval stage of what was formally known as gypsy moth. The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) has no spray program available and are not experts to reach out. However, you are encouraged to go to the PA DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) Spongy Moth webpage for more information. If you suspect that you have spongy moth caterpillars and wish to leave a message, call the DCNR’s Bald Eagle State Forest District office near Laurelton at (570) 922-3344.

Overview

Below we have provided information and resources on various pests local to the area and how to manage them.

Spongy Moth

Many people have been noticing large groups of small caterpillars on their property or other outdoor places within Snyder County. There is a good chance that they are spongy moth caterpillars, the larval stage of what was formally known as gypsy moth. Check out this SCCD Forest Pest Identification fact sheet .

The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) has no spray program available and are not experts that you reach out for more information. However, you are encouraged to go to the PA DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) Spongy Moth webpage for more information on the following:

Homeowners’ Tips
Identification Tips
Other Information

If you suspect that you have spongy moth caterpillars and wish to leave a message, call the DCNR’s Bald Eagle State Forest District office near Laurelton at (570) 922-3344.

Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly adult (left) and nymph (right). Courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Entomologist, PDA

As of 2023, a quarantine is in place for fifty-one (51) Pennsylvania counties to try to stop the movement of the Spotted Lanternfly, including Snyder County. This pest is a native of China and has been found in our area. The destructive insect feeds on a variety of plants including grapes, apples, peaches, ailanthus, willow, hops and certain ornamental plants.

Snyder County is currently within the PA quarantine zone. Regardless of location within or outside the quarantine zone, all Pennsylvania residents and guests are asked to do their part in controlling this pest. For more information on this pest go to the links below:

If you see this pest, report it immediately online (PA Dept. of Ag) or call 1-888-4BADFLY.

Other Forest Insect Pest Identification

There are other caterpillar pests that can cause problems in local woodlands. Many presume that what they see is the spongy (formally known as “gypsy”) moth in its larval stage. However, that may not be the case. Please check out this write up with photos here .

For more information regarding these pests, please call the DCNR Bureau of Forestry office near Laurelton (along PA Route 45) at (570) 922-3344.

Invasive Plants

There are many trees, shrubs, grasses and other plants that are not native and are invasive to Pennsylvania. While some can be “tamed,” many need to be managed with great care and planning.

Some Conservation District staff are familiar with some of invasive plants. However, there are other groups that are far more knowledgeable. Below are a list of links and contacts related to these troublesome plants.