Spongy months again

It took eight months for the Entomological Society of America to come up with a new name for the invasive “spongy moth,” which is widespread in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It was introduced in  Massachusetts in the 1800s, according to the Society, and today racks up a damages in the millions of dollars.

The name change process started in July of 2021 when the previous name, “gypsy moth,” was removed due to its use of a derogatory term for the Romani people. By March 2022, “spongy moth” was adopted — the first initiated by the Society’s Better Common Names Project. The origin of “spongy” derives from the common name used in France and French-speaking Canada for the moth’s egg masses, which look like sponges, or “spongieuse.”

In a Page One article in this issue, Debra Aleksinas reports on the “spongy moth” outlook for this summer. Anyone driving through the green hillsides of the Northwest Corner last summer can recall seeing whole hillsides turned brown from the defoliation created by these insects. Last year, more than 45,000 acres were defoliated, and that followed an equally devastating stripping of 40,000 acres in 2021. Sharon and Cornwall were hard hit in both years.

According to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, while the outbreaks over the past two years were severe, they don’t match with the estimated 800,000 to 1.5 million acres impacted in Connecticut in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Still, many of the trees hit hard by spongy moth two years in a row are likely to die, scientists say. Last year, by midsummer, there were signs that many trees had put out a new set of leaves, getting a second wind. But foresters are concerned about the vitality of trees that may face a third strike this season.

The hatching period from the egg masses typically comes between late April and mid-May. That’s now. The next larval stage lasts for weeks. Adults emerge in late June through the middle of July and can persist into August.

The insect spends most of its life cycle (10 months) in the egg stage. If you decide to take matters into your own hands, you can either spray the egg masses with an agricultural oil or insecticidal soap, soaking them completely, or scrape them into a container and dispose of them.  Another approach is to wrap tree trunks with sticky tape.

Besides the stress on the trees after two years of “spongy moth” attacks, there is hope that soil moisture will reach levels that will activate a fungus that kills the invaders. As our Page One article explains, we’re not out of the woods yet. Though we’re not in a drought, we need rain.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less