Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 17, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation conducts aerial spraying to combat invasive spongy moth caterpillars

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Spongy moth egg masses are tan, 1 to 3 inches long, and covered in fine, soft hairs. Photo credit required: Virginia DOF)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Spongy moth caterpillar feeding. Caterpillars have five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots. Photo credit required: Virginia DOF)

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry, will conduct targeted aerial treatments this spring to manage invasive spongy moth caterpillars at Shenandoah River and Seven Bends state parks.

The spongy moth caterpillar, formerly known as the European gypsy moth, poses a significant threat to Virginia's forests. These caterpillars feed on oak leaves and other hardwood trees, which can weaken and ultimately kill the trees if left unchecked.

A total of 1,352 acres will be sprayed using a specialized rotary-wing helicopter and a naturally occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, as an aerial biopesticide.

Btk only impacts caterpillars without harming people, pets, birds, fish, plants or beneficial insects, such as pollinators. Btk will not impact painted surfaces and can be removed with soap and water. Btk is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use against spongy moths.

Due to unpredictable weather conditions, DCR does not know the exact dates of the spraying operations; however, the spray window is between April 24 and May 2. Once a date has been established, DCR will notify the public via signage, handouts at entrance stations, park websites and social media.

Shenandoah River and Seven Bends will remain open during spraying operations, but certain trails will be closed temporarily. Guests planning to visit the parks during the spray window should check the Shenandoah River or Seven Bends website or call the specific park they plan to visit for information on impacted trails. Overnight facilities are not included in the treatment areas.

The goals of this spongy moth suppression program are to protect forests against damage from spongy moth caterpillars and to reduce hazards to visitors. Spraying will not eliminate spongy moth caterpillars but will minimize their impacts in specific infestation areas. Treatment areas were chosen based on egg mass population surveys conducted during 2024 and 2025 and aerial defoliation mapping in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. 

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