Spongy moths are defoliating insects native to France that were first introduced to the United States in 1869. They are now widespread in the Northeast and considered "naturalized,” meaning they will always be a part of our ecosystem. Spongy moth populations rise and fall in cycles, varying over the years from very few (most years) to large numbers, which cause very noticeable leaf damage and tree defoliation. In New York, we tend to see regional outbreaks, or large spikes in population numbers, every 10–15 years. Outbreaks usually end when disease and predator populations increase to a level at which they can naturally control the LDD population.
