Spongy moth has become an unwelcome guest throughout southern Ontario. Native to Europe and Asia, this invasive moth may be more recognizable by its former names, the gypsy moth or LDD (short for Lymantria dispar dispar). In 2021, we saw a spike in the spongy moth population and with it, extensive tree defoliation in certain areas. While this non-native pest may be here to stay, here’s how you can do your part to identify it and help reduce its impact.