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Spongy Moth News

Last updated on December 17, 2025

2026 Spongy Moth Program Announcement

Trapping and monitoring results from 2025 indicate spongy moth populations are establishing in two locations and require eradication. Considering the vegetation complex in these locations, aerial sprays are required to eradicate this non-native, invasive species. Aerial spraying is planned for spring 2026 for:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is in the process of submitting a Pesticide Use Permit Application for the 2026 eradication program. Ministry of Forests will provide operational support.

2025 Spongy Moth Program 

There are no planned spongy moth eradication spray treatments planned for spring 2025.

2024 Eradication Program Complete

The 2024 spongy moth eradication program is now complete. Trapping data will be reviewed this fall to determine the treatment results. Trapping data and any treatment plans will be announced in November 2024. 

Order-in-Council Signed April 8, 2024

The provincial cabinet has approved the "Spongy Moth Eradication Regulation" authorizing the treatment  of13 areas described in the approved Pesticide Use Permits below.  Read the OIC B.C. Reg.100/2022.

Pesticide Use Permits Issued - March 18, 2024

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has issued two Pesticide Use Permits authorizing the application of the biological insecticide Foray 48B over 13 locations in Southern B.C.  Various notification and application conditions are outlined in the permit and will be carried out by the Ministry of Forests.  Note that the strain of Btk used in Foray 48B is ABTS-351.

Current insect development model projections indicate first treatments will begin on the South Island as early as April 29 and get progressively later moving northward and eastward.  The spray dates are subject to change, particularly with the recent warm weather and updates will be posted on this page.   

Pesticide Use Permit Application Review Period Extended

The deadline for comments on the Pesticide Use Permit Applications has been extended to March 1st from February 24th: 

 

2024 Virtual Open Houses

The B.C. Plant Protection Advisory Council's Spongy Moth Technical Advisory Committee held three virtual open houses to answer questions about spongy moth and the planned eradication projects:

  • Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Cranbrook, Kamloops, West Kelowna, Langley and Tsawwassen residents - about 30 attendees.
  • Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Salt Spring, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach and Cowichan Bay residents - about 20 attendees
  • Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for North Saanich, Esquimalt/Vic West, Gorge-Tillicum and Belmont/Langford residents - 24 attendees

All residents within the treatment areas and a 300 m buffer zone will receive postcards inviting them to these open houses:

2024 Pesticide Use Application Permits

The Ministry of Forests has applied for two Pesticide Use Permits for aerial spraying of Foray 48B to eradicate spongy moths in 13 locations across B.C:

A person wishing to contribute information about the treatment areas for the evaluation of these permit applications must send copies of the information to both the applicant at  British Columbia Ministry of Forests, 200 – 10470 152nd St, Surrey, BC V3R 0Y3 or by email: flnrgypsymothinfo@gov.bc.ca and the administrator under the Integrated Pest Management Act at Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Suite 200 - 10470 152 Street, Surrey, BC V3R 0Y3 or by email: ENVCIA@gov.bc.ca by Saturday, February 24, 2024.

2024 Spongy Moth Program Announcement

Trapping and monitoring results from 2023 indicate spongy moth populations are establishing in various locations across the province and require eradication. Thirteen aerial sprays are required to eradicate this non-native, invasive species. Aerial spraying will be completed in the following areas.

The 2023 eradication program was successful in all areas except the Belmont (Colwood) treatment area. Due to weather delays, three timely treatments were not completed in Belmont (2023_Belmont Treatment Map.jpg) and the establishing population was not eradicated and expanded. The area will be treated again in spring 2024.

The 2023 high-density trapping program completed on Salt Spring Island was successful. The trapping program limited the growth and spread of the establishing spongy moth population and a 48 ha area will be sprayed in spring 2024 to ensure the population is eradicated.

Virtual open house sessions will be held in February. Subscribe to this news page (right column box) to receive regular program updates and announcements, including information on when the virtual open house sessions will be held and how to participate.

Stay Current

Monitor the status of the spongy moth program by:

Calling the spongy moth 24-hour info line: 1-866-917-5999

Subscribing to the spongy moth news page for email updates (see link above)

Contact information

Contact us if you have further questions about spongy moth or how they are controlled in B.C.

24-hour Spongy Moth Information Line Toll Free
1-866-917-5999
Email
Forests.ForestPracticesBranchOffice@gov.bc.ca