GRAND RAPIDS — An emergency spongy moth quarantine begins for a portion of northern Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 1.
The temporary quarantine restricts the movement of woody material and requires self-inspection of items kept outdoors that are being moved out of the quarantined area. The quarantine ends June 15, 2026.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture discovered high levels of the insect in the roughly 1-square-mile area around Peterson Road during its 2024 annual survey. A planned treatment was canceled due to federal funding delays.
Spongy moths have caused millions of dollars in damage to forests in the eastern part of the country through tree defoliation.
The agency said it will ramp up survey efforts in the area, and residents will likely notice traps placed on trees.
It also asks that residents keep an eye out for signs of spongy moth. Suspected infestations should be reported online, by emailing reportapest@state.mn.us or by calling 888-565-6684.
More details on quarantine measures can be found on MDA's website.
MDA will host a virtual informational meeting at noon Tuesday.
