The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has successfully completed its 2024 Spongy Moth suppression project, targeting key areas across the lower Eastern Shore and Western Maryland, including Garrett County. This year’s efforts also included Allegany, Frederick, Washington, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. The rest of the state reported Spongy Moth populations below treatment levels.
The MDA utilized Foray 48B, a formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Btk), a naturally occurring soil bacterium, to effectively manage Spongy Moth populations. The suppression efforts aimed to protect local ecosystems and prevent extensive defoliation caused by these invasive pests.
The affected property owners received notification letters in late February and detailed maps of the targeted spray areas were made available in mid-April. The spray schedule, managed through a detailed table format, indicated specific blocks and their treatment dates. Blocks were identified with two letters for the county and three numbers for specific areas (e.g., Garrett County blocks were labeled GA001, GA002, etc.).
The MDA emphasized that spraying schedules could be influenced by various weather conditions such as high winds, rain, fog, or inappropriate humidity levels. Consequently, some scheduled spray dates were subject to rescheduling to ensure optimal application conditions.
Residents and stakeholders were encouraged to follow the MDA’s Spongy Moth suppression efforts on Twitter (@MDSpongyMoth) for near real-time updates and information.
For additional information, including detailed maps of the spray areas, visit the MDA Spongy Moth Suppression webpage or contact the Spongy Moth Suppression Information Line at 410-841-2797.
