PRESS RELEASE from PIKE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Pike County announces spongy moth suppression cost-share program

Posted 1/3/25

PIKE COUNTY, PA — The Pike County Commissioners have secured a $400,000 grant to help address the spongy moth infestation in Pike County. The grant was secured together with Representative Jeff …

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PRESS RELEASE from PIKE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Pike County announces spongy moth suppression cost-share program

Posted

PIKE COUNTY, PA — The Pike County Commissioners have secured a $400,000 grant to help address the spongy moth infestation in Pike County. The grant was secured together with Representative Jeff Olsommer and Senator Lisa Baker, and will be provided through the Department fo Community and Economic Development's Economic Development Initiatives Program. 

With the funds, the county will administer a cost-share program open to those conducting aerial application of bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a microbiome naturally found in soil used to suppress spongy moth caterpillar populations and to minimize defoliation and the secondary impacts of these invasive caterpillars. Applicants who meet the conditions to participate will be reimbursed a portion of the treatment costs.

Applicants will be classified by acreage and landownership to ensure funds are distributed equitably among Pike County residents taking proactive measures to help eradicate spongy moth. Approved applicants are eligible for reimbursement of up to 25 percent or a reimbursement cap of $10,000 for those in Categories B, C, and D.

Categories are as follows:

  • Category A: Homeowners Associations and Private Landowners spraying between 25 and 299 acres
  • Category B: Homeowners Associations and Private Landowners spraying more than 300 acres
  • Category C: Hunt Clubs spraying at least 25 acres
  • Category D: Businesses/Municipalities/Organizations/Other spraying at least 25 acres

To be partially reimbursed, applicants must:

  • Submit an application (along with supporting documentation including proof of contract from an aerial sprayer licensed to work in Pennsylvania, map of the spray block, etc.)
  • Be a minimum treatment area of 25 contiguous acres
  • Treat only with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
  • Be treated via Aerial Fixed-Wing or Rotary application only

Individuals applying on behalf of a homeowners association must be an authorized agent of the community.

The 2025 Spongy Moth Cost-Share program will begin accepting applications for partial reimbursement on January 6, 2025, at 9:00 am. The application can be found on the spongy moth page of the Pike County website, www.pikepa.org/spongymoth. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted.

Approved applicants will not receive reimbursement until after spraying is complete, around May 2025 and will need to submit a final paid invoice and a map of the flight path from the certified aerial sprayer. 

Pike County encourages concerned landowners to act now to protect their trees next spring, regardless of their participation in the program. Mitigation resources for landowners, including a list of approved aerial applicators can be found on the county website, www.pikepa.org/spongymoth.

Pike County Spongy Moth Task Force

The Pike County Spongy Moth Task Force is recruiting additional members. Those interested in representing their municipality on the task force are asked to contact Jessica Yoder, Spongy Moth Task Force Co-Chair, at 570/296-3500 extension 1382 to learn more.

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