Since the spongy moths are an invasive species to forests and local farms¹, action needs to be taken to control the population. Our team has come up with an ethical practice that will help control the population by using brewer’s yeast to produce the sex pheromone disparlure. This method would only attract spongy moths, and other non-invasive species would be unaffected. The trap would house the yeast and capture the spongy moths. We will not only be trapping the moths, but will also be using a specialized catch and release program. Using this method, we will be able to mitigate the environmental consequences typically ensued with the use of harsh chemicals for moth control.

[1] The Spongy Moth: Information for Tree and Woodland Owners