By Jack Payne
Talk about forgetting what I preach was Friday in action. We were fishing in one of our favorite locations and things were going sour for us. The first mistake was fishing memories.
We headed to our favorite weed bed and caught some small bluegills. We then headed to our second favorite spot. We quickly landed two very nice crappies. And then the bottom fell out.
The first mistake was my failure in fishing where my graph did not show fish. Not once did I turn on the side scan. I was so sure that I knew where the fish were.
Time after time I preach to turn on the side scan. Side scan will show you the beds, weeds and how tall they are, and of course, actual fish. We had a marginal morning. I am still kicking myself in the rear end.
Normally I lay out a plan on paper before leaving my house. I will have two rods rigged differently. I will have at least two plans of attack planned out.
Folks, if you are not familiar with the lake you plan on fishing, divide it into four sections. In the spring, look for the section that shows the largest shallow flats.
In a few weeks most species will shift into a summer pattern. The best location will be the deeper water that is the closest to the largest shallow flats. Take this information as a good reference point.
I update my graph at home with a reference waypoint in advance. This serves me well and reduces time spent on the water searching. Label your waypoints.
If we find beds I mark the spot as gill beds, crappie beds or bass beds. If we find a transition area, we mark it as such. Do this for anything of interest for future use. When we spot a school of fish, I save a waypoint. Often, I will delete this waypoint after we quit for the day. There is no reason in saving waypoints that have no future use.
You can mark a point that extends out from a weed bed or a rock pile. If we find logs or trees, label them.
We normally set the side scan settings to 80 feet when targeting panfish and 60 feet when chasing walleye, bass or pike. Panfish will show up as a cloud of white rice. Game fish will often show up as either a speck of rice or a speck with a shadow behind it.
I enjoy talking to other anglers both on the water and on the dock. If we see another boat, we will ask general questions such as “having any luck”, how deep are the fish and such. Then we move away and give them some space.
At the dock, we might ask more detailed questions and if the other angler appears friendly, we might ask for their contact information. My fishing contact list covers maybe 36 anglers that enjoy sharing some information. Once a week I send out a friendly update sharing our success, or lack of.
When fishing it pays to change something up every 15 minutes. We change color or baits. We change techniques from possibly a bobber to a drop-shot tig. From a spinner to a jig or anything else.
That leads to another suggestion. Learn a few techniques and master them well. There is no reason to master everything unless you have that much time.
Casting jigs or weighted spiders is my favorite technique. We use jigs as light as 1/80 ounce. Holding a rod in hand when targeting bluegill or crappie regardless of the depth that they are at is pure enjoyment.
I enjoy throwing spinners for any species. I have spinners for crappies, gills, perch, steelhead, walleye, pike and bass. I can work a spinner above the weeds, crawl it along the bottom, burn it in or anything in-between.
Pick a favorite technique that fits your style.
Last, laminate a few tips that you would like to remember and watch the birds and minnows. Keep it simple and make it fun.
Stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop for your sporting needs.
Talk about forgetting what I preach was Friday in action. We were fishing in one of our favorite locations and things were going sour for us. The first mistake was fishing memories.
We headed to our favorite weed bed and caught some small bluegills. We then headed to our second favorite spot. We quickly landed two very nice crappies. And then the bottom fell out.
The first mistake was my failure in fishing where my graph did not show fish. Not once did I turn on the side scan. I was so sure that I knew where the fish were.
Time after time I preach to turn on the side scan. Side scan will show you the beds, weeds and how tall they are, and of course, actual fish. We had a marginal morning. I am still kicking myself in the rear end.
Normally I lay out a plan on paper before leaving my house. I will have two rods rigged differently. I will have at least two plans of attack planned out.
Folks, if you are not familiar with the lake you plan on fishing, divide it into four sections. In the spring, look for the section that shows the largest shallow flats.
In a few weeks most species will shift into a summer pattern. The best location will be the deeper water that is the closest to the largest shallow flats. Take this information as a good reference point.
I update my graph at home with a reference waypoint in advance. This serves me well and reduces time spent on the water searching. Label your waypoints.
If we find beds I mark the spot as gill beds, crappie beds or bass beds. If we find a transition area, we mark it as such. Do this for anything of interest for future use. When we spot a school of fish, I save a waypoint. Often, I will delete this waypoint after we quit for the day. There is no reason in saving waypoints that have no future use.
You can mark a point that extends out from a weed bed or a rock pile. If we find logs or trees, label them.
We normally set the side scan settings to 80 feet when targeting panfish and 60 feet when chasing walleye, bass or pike. Panfish will show up as a cloud of white rice. Game fish will often show up as either a speck of rice or a speck with a shadow behind it.
I enjoy talking to other anglers both on the water and on the dock. If we see another boat, we will ask general questions such as “having any luck”, how deep are the fish and such. Then we move away and give them some space.
At the dock, we might ask more detailed questions and if the other angler appears friendly, we might ask for their contact information. My fishing contact list covers maybe 36 anglers that enjoy sharing some information. Once a week I send out a friendly update sharing our success, or lack of.
When fishing it pays to change something up every 15 minutes. We change color or baits. We change techniques from possibly a bobber to a drop-shot tig. From a spinner to a jig or anything else.
That leads to another suggestion. Learn a few techniques and master them well. There is no reason to master everything unless you have that much time.
Casting jigs or weighted spiders is my favorite technique. We use jigs as light as 1/80 ounce. Holding a rod in hand when targeting bluegill or crappie regardless of the depth that they are at is pure enjoyment.
I enjoy throwing spinners for any species. I have spinners for crappies, gills, perch, steelhead, walleye, pike and bass. I can work a spinner above the weeds, crawl it along the bottom, burn it in or anything in-between.
Pick a favorite technique that fits your style.
Last, laminate a few tips that you would like to remember and watch the birds and minnows. Keep it simple and make it fun.
Stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop for your sporting needs.
BeachGuard on Duty to Protect Michigan Swimmers
Water quality advisory caution sign at Park Lake beach in Clinton County.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
Michigan’s public beaches are a great summertime getaway, but unfortunately, not every beach is suited for swimming and splashing every day.
Wildlife waste (especially from waterfowl), agricultural runoff, pet manure, wastewater spills, toxic algae, and leaking septic systems can make beaches temporarily unhealthy and off-limits to the public.
That’s where BeachGuard comes in.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has launched an enhanced version of the online notification system for beach closures and advisories. The user-friendly tool, added to EGLE’s informational MiEnviro Portal at mienviro.michigan.gov, makes it easier than ever for the public to access beach water quality notices statewide. New features include:
• Options to organize data by county, ownership, or closures.
• Options for viewing the map from street or satellite views.
• The ability for users to sign up for and manage custom alerts.
Michigan has more than 1,000 public beaches. Some local ordinances mandate beach water quality testing, but no state or federal laws do.
Under the state’s public health code, authority to monitor public beaches and close them based on conditions rests with local health officers – typically regional or county health departments. These departments regularly monitor about 400 beaches each year. EGLE provides many of them with state and federal funds to support monitoring.
The most common source of beach contamination is feces. Typically, after a rainstorm, everything on land gets washed into the surface waters including beaches. Monitoring for the presence of E. coli bacteria serves as an indicator that other harmful microbes, such as cryptosporidium, giardia, shigella, and norovirus, may be present.
Diseases acquired from contact with contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness; neurological symptoms; wound infections; and affect the skin, ears, eyes, and respiratory systems. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever.
Beach water quality typically recovers in a day or two after a spike from rainfall.
While the ideal is always no contamination and zero beach closures, it’s typical to have a small number of closures at any given time during beach season. The number fluctuates based on conditions and testing.
EGLE Water Resources Division staff monitor Michigan’s surface waters but not beaches specifically. Owners of private beaches may call their local health department for advice or to find a lab to have their samples tested, and the owners will pay for the testing.
Local health departments supply the information collected in the BeachGuard tool and have the most current information and details on testing and current guidance.
In addition to heeding closures and advisories, recommendations for save beachgoing include:
• Not swimming with cuts or wounds that could be exposed to bacteria in the water.
• Staying out of the water if you are ill with vomiting or diarrhea to avoid exposing others to germs.
• Washing hands before eating or preparing food and after using a restroom.
• Showering after swimming.
• Not swimming near storm drains or for two to three days after a heavy rain.
• Disposing properly of human and dog waste.
Wildlife waste (especially from waterfowl), agricultural runoff, pet manure, wastewater spills, toxic algae, and leaking septic systems can make beaches temporarily unhealthy and off-limits to the public.
That’s where BeachGuard comes in.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has launched an enhanced version of the online notification system for beach closures and advisories. The user-friendly tool, added to EGLE’s informational MiEnviro Portal at mienviro.michigan.gov, makes it easier than ever for the public to access beach water quality notices statewide. New features include:
• Options to organize data by county, ownership, or closures.
• Options for viewing the map from street or satellite views.
• The ability for users to sign up for and manage custom alerts.
Michigan has more than 1,000 public beaches. Some local ordinances mandate beach water quality testing, but no state or federal laws do.
Under the state’s public health code, authority to monitor public beaches and close them based on conditions rests with local health officers – typically regional or county health departments. These departments regularly monitor about 400 beaches each year. EGLE provides many of them with state and federal funds to support monitoring.
The most common source of beach contamination is feces. Typically, after a rainstorm, everything on land gets washed into the surface waters including beaches. Monitoring for the presence of E. coli bacteria serves as an indicator that other harmful microbes, such as cryptosporidium, giardia, shigella, and norovirus, may be present.
Diseases acquired from contact with contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness; neurological symptoms; wound infections; and affect the skin, ears, eyes, and respiratory systems. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever.
Beach water quality typically recovers in a day or two after a spike from rainfall.
While the ideal is always no contamination and zero beach closures, it’s typical to have a small number of closures at any given time during beach season. The number fluctuates based on conditions and testing.
EGLE Water Resources Division staff monitor Michigan’s surface waters but not beaches specifically. Owners of private beaches may call their local health department for advice or to find a lab to have their samples tested, and the owners will pay for the testing.
Local health departments supply the information collected in the BeachGuard tool and have the most current information and details on testing and current guidance.
In addition to heeding closures and advisories, recommendations for save beachgoing include:
• Not swimming with cuts or wounds that could be exposed to bacteria in the water.
• Staying out of the water if you are ill with vomiting or diarrhea to avoid exposing others to germs.
• Washing hands before eating or preparing food and after using a restroom.
• Showering after swimming.
• Not swimming near storm drains or for two to three days after a heavy rain.
• Disposing properly of human and dog waste.
DNR Awards Grant for Tree-Planting Workshops Within Lower Grand Watershed
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has awarded a grant of nearly $37,000 to the Grand Valley Metro Council and its Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to develop and conduct a series of tree-planting and care workshops for municipal employees, residents and landscape contractors within the Lower Grand River Watershed.
The grant to the Lower Grand watershed organization was one of 15 awarded, totaling more than $1 million, under the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act.
This grant program is made possible through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.
Trees play an essential role in improving the quality of life for Michigan residents. They improve air quality, lower summer temperatures, can reduce energy costs and help manage the flow of stormwater. Trees enhance people’s mental and physical well-being and create healthier and more resilient communities.
The grants will collectively plant and care for more than 1,700 trees, train 500 city staff, students and residents through 33 workshops and events, and create inventories and develop plans to sustainably manage more than 32,000 public trees benefiting more than 285,000 Michigan residents.
Among the other projects receiving funding include:
• City of Battle Creek (Calhoun County): $38,850 to conduct public tree planting, maintenance and community engagement and outreach.
• City of Cadillac (Wexford County): $100,000 for tree planting and maintenance to support a sustainable urban forest.
• Crystal Township (Montcalm County): $133,112 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting and maintenance activities; conduct tree planting and develop a community orchard.
• City of Ionia (Ionia County): $30,000 for street tree planting in neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover.
• Village of Lakeview (Montcalm County): $95,172 for tree planting in parks and along streets throughout the village.
• Lincoln Township (Clare County): $34,200 for community tree planting and maintenance.
• to develop a community food forest and engage the community and youth in its installation and care.
• City of Mt. Pleasant (Isabella County): $100,000 for public tree planting and maintenance activities to support a sustainable urban forest.
• Muskegon Conservation District (Muskegon County): $23,438 to create food forests in the city of Muskegon and engage with community members in its planting and care.
The Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program is a federally funded program providing technical, educational and grant assistance to communities, nonprofits, educational institutions and tribes to build capacity for managing trees and forests in communities throughout the state.
The grant to the Lower Grand watershed organization was one of 15 awarded, totaling more than $1 million, under the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act.
This grant program is made possible through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.
Trees play an essential role in improving the quality of life for Michigan residents. They improve air quality, lower summer temperatures, can reduce energy costs and help manage the flow of stormwater. Trees enhance people’s mental and physical well-being and create healthier and more resilient communities.
The grants will collectively plant and care for more than 1,700 trees, train 500 city staff, students and residents through 33 workshops and events, and create inventories and develop plans to sustainably manage more than 32,000 public trees benefiting more than 285,000 Michigan residents.
Among the other projects receiving funding include:
• City of Battle Creek (Calhoun County): $38,850 to conduct public tree planting, maintenance and community engagement and outreach.
• City of Cadillac (Wexford County): $100,000 for tree planting and maintenance to support a sustainable urban forest.
• Crystal Township (Montcalm County): $133,112 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting and maintenance activities; conduct tree planting and develop a community orchard.
• City of Ionia (Ionia County): $30,000 for street tree planting in neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover.
• Village of Lakeview (Montcalm County): $95,172 for tree planting in parks and along streets throughout the village.
• Lincoln Township (Clare County): $34,200 for community tree planting and maintenance.
• to develop a community food forest and engage the community and youth in its installation and care.
• City of Mt. Pleasant (Isabella County): $100,000 for public tree planting and maintenance activities to support a sustainable urban forest.
• Muskegon Conservation District (Muskegon County): $23,438 to create food forests in the city of Muskegon and engage with community members in its planting and care.
The Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program is a federally funded program providing technical, educational and grant assistance to communities, nonprofits, educational institutions and tribes to build capacity for managing trees and forests in communities throughout the state.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
I’ve been hanging out with my grandson. He’s only 6. He loves a diversity of things, from mowing to basketball.
A few weeks ago, I took him on his first fishing trip. We went to a friend’s pond. I knew I could teach Juda some of the nuances of fishing while ensuring his success in catching fish.
I was right. We caught one small brim after another. Every now and then, we would catch sight of a large fish. And of course, Juda wanted to catch it. And of course, we never did. The smallest ones were always the first to our bait so much so, they became a nuisance.
So, I had a plan for our next fishing trip. I would take him to the riverbank and let him try his newfound love in more difficult waters. I thought (which was my first mistake) that we might have more of an opportunity to catch a larger fish. I was right when it came to the opportunity. I was wrong in thinking he was ready for the move.
He lasted about 20 minutes. I lasted about 18. We packed up our stuff and headed home. Our next trip will be back at the pond. He failed the test. But that’s not a bad thing.
I can imagine what some of you are thinking when you read that he “failed the test.” You may have thought about how the word failure seems too serious for a simple fishing trip. Juda was not a failure, however. He just failed the test of seeing if he was ready for bigger fishing trips. He has passed plenty of other tests. That’s why he’s push-mowing my back yard. But he was not ready for the river.
If I were to ask him where he wants to go on our next fishing trip, he would say to the pond. He knows he’s not ready as well. That’s what tests do. They put us in situations where we can take what we’ve been learning and see if we are ready for the actual event.
That’s why teachers give tests. It’s for them and the person taking the test, to see if they are ready for the profession they are pursuing.
Just the other day, I was watching a local television station, and the emergency broadcast system test came on. I hadn’t heard it in a long time. The announcer said, “This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency, you would have been instructed where to tune in your area for news and official information. This is only a test.”
Let me cut to the chase. Some of you have been really growing in your faith, and all of a sudden, something bad, difficult, confusing, unexpected, or painful has happened. And you are questioning why.
Let me tell you why. God is testing what you’ve learned to see how you’ll apply it when it becomes an actual emergency. Scratch that. God knows how you’ll react. But the test reveals to you whether you’re ready to move from the pond to the river.
So, recognize tests for what they are. And recognize that failed tests are better than failing an actual emergency. While Juda may have failed this first test, one day he will be ready for the river.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
I’ve been hanging out with my grandson. He’s only 6. He loves a diversity of things, from mowing to basketball.
A few weeks ago, I took him on his first fishing trip. We went to a friend’s pond. I knew I could teach Juda some of the nuances of fishing while ensuring his success in catching fish.
I was right. We caught one small brim after another. Every now and then, we would catch sight of a large fish. And of course, Juda wanted to catch it. And of course, we never did. The smallest ones were always the first to our bait so much so, they became a nuisance.
So, I had a plan for our next fishing trip. I would take him to the riverbank and let him try his newfound love in more difficult waters. I thought (which was my first mistake) that we might have more of an opportunity to catch a larger fish. I was right when it came to the opportunity. I was wrong in thinking he was ready for the move.
He lasted about 20 minutes. I lasted about 18. We packed up our stuff and headed home. Our next trip will be back at the pond. He failed the test. But that’s not a bad thing.
I can imagine what some of you are thinking when you read that he “failed the test.” You may have thought about how the word failure seems too serious for a simple fishing trip. Juda was not a failure, however. He just failed the test of seeing if he was ready for bigger fishing trips. He has passed plenty of other tests. That’s why he’s push-mowing my back yard. But he was not ready for the river.
If I were to ask him where he wants to go on our next fishing trip, he would say to the pond. He knows he’s not ready as well. That’s what tests do. They put us in situations where we can take what we’ve been learning and see if we are ready for the actual event.
That’s why teachers give tests. It’s for them and the person taking the test, to see if they are ready for the profession they are pursuing.
Just the other day, I was watching a local television station, and the emergency broadcast system test came on. I hadn’t heard it in a long time. The announcer said, “This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency, you would have been instructed where to tune in your area for news and official information. This is only a test.”
Let me cut to the chase. Some of you have been really growing in your faith, and all of a sudden, something bad, difficult, confusing, unexpected, or painful has happened. And you are questioning why.
Let me tell you why. God is testing what you’ve learned to see how you’ll apply it when it becomes an actual emergency. Scratch that. God knows how you’ll react. But the test reveals to you whether you’re ready to move from the pond to the river.
So, recognize tests for what they are. And recognize that failed tests are better than failing an actual emergency. While Juda may have failed this first test, one day he will be ready for the river.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Create, Plant, Maintain Pollinator Garden
A Hemaris hummingbird moth on a Monarda flower.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
The weather is warming up in Michigan, which means it is time for beach days, picnics, barbecues and fun times outside. While everyone is welcome to enjoy the outdoors, some uninvited guests such as invasive spongy moth caterpillars can spoil the fun.
These hungry caterpillars often group together on deciduous trees – those that shed their leaves seasonally – such as oaks. They can strip trees of leaves and release BB-sized pellets of frass (droppings) on whatever is below.
The most recent spongy moth outbreak reached its peak in 2021 but their numbers have been declining for the last few years. In 2025, state forestry officials expect to see some defoliation, or leaf loss, in southwest Michigan, but the moth population should be declining.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been keeping watch over the defoliation by surveying roughly 20 million acres annually from the air. The acreage of spongy moth defoliation mapped across the state for the past five years includes:
• 2024: 168,879 acres.
• 2023: 156,000 acres.
• 2022: 386,000 acres.
• 2021: 1,350,000 acres.
• 2020: 947,900 acres.
According to Michigan State University’s Enviroweather prediction model, spongy moth eggs should be finished hatching now in the Lower Peninsula. If spongy moth populations are a concern in your area, there are multiple steps you can take to reduce their impact.
In areas where populations are high, it is important to remember that healthy trees will rebound, so management efforts should be concentrated where the caterpillars will cause the most problems.
Before eggs hatch, inspect decks, outdoor furniture, fences and trees (focusing on your favorite outdoor areas) for tan-colored, fuzzy egg masses about the size of a quarter. Scrape any accessible egg masses into a bucket of soapy water or burn or bury them.
Note: If an egg mass has small holes or is falling apart, the eggs may have already hatched.
After hatching has occurred, use a broom to sweep young caterpillars into a bucket of soapy water. Soak them in the water overnight and then dispose.
Create a tree trunk trap: Cut a strip of burlap 18 inches wide and long enough to go around the tree trunk and overlap. Tie a string around the center of the band to make a two layered skirt around the trunk. When the caterpillars climb the tree to eat, they will get caught in the band. You can then scrape them into a bucket of soapy water and dispose.
If you decide to use a pesticide, use one containing Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), a highly effective pesticide for spongy moths but with little impact on humans, pets or beneficial insects. This pesticide should be applied to the leaves of trees because it works when the caterpillars ingest it. Timing is everything, as this pesticide persists for only a couple weeks after application. It works best on young caterpillars and should be used within one to two weeks of hatching. Be sure to follow the label instructions to ensure safe application.
If you are in an infested area, know that it is impossible to completely get rid of all spongy moth caterpillars. Consider cost, safety and environmental health when you are deciding how to handle the insects.
• Stay safe: Avoid climbing trees or using ladders on any unstable surfaces to get to egg masses.
• Focus on protecting young and vulnerable trees first. Watering at least once a week can help trees keep their vigor.
• Do not overuse pesticides. In Michigan, the label is the law.
• If you feel it is needed, have larger trees treated by a certified professional.
• Caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation, so you may want to wear gloves while managing caterpillars.
The good news:
• Spongy moth outbreaks are cyclical and last up to three years. Populations will collapse due to environmental viral and fungal diseases and remain at unnoticeable levels for eight to 12 years.
• These caterpillars feed for about six to eight weeks, usually slowing in midsummer.
• Hardwoods that are affected will usually releaf in July.
More information on spongy moth is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
These hungry caterpillars often group together on deciduous trees – those that shed their leaves seasonally – such as oaks. They can strip trees of leaves and release BB-sized pellets of frass (droppings) on whatever is below.
The most recent spongy moth outbreak reached its peak in 2021 but their numbers have been declining for the last few years. In 2025, state forestry officials expect to see some defoliation, or leaf loss, in southwest Michigan, but the moth population should be declining.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been keeping watch over the defoliation by surveying roughly 20 million acres annually from the air. The acreage of spongy moth defoliation mapped across the state for the past five years includes:
• 2024: 168,879 acres.
• 2023: 156,000 acres.
• 2022: 386,000 acres.
• 2021: 1,350,000 acres.
• 2020: 947,900 acres.
According to Michigan State University’s Enviroweather prediction model, spongy moth eggs should be finished hatching now in the Lower Peninsula. If spongy moth populations are a concern in your area, there are multiple steps you can take to reduce their impact.
In areas where populations are high, it is important to remember that healthy trees will rebound, so management efforts should be concentrated where the caterpillars will cause the most problems.
Before eggs hatch, inspect decks, outdoor furniture, fences and trees (focusing on your favorite outdoor areas) for tan-colored, fuzzy egg masses about the size of a quarter. Scrape any accessible egg masses into a bucket of soapy water or burn or bury them.
Note: If an egg mass has small holes or is falling apart, the eggs may have already hatched.
After hatching has occurred, use a broom to sweep young caterpillars into a bucket of soapy water. Soak them in the water overnight and then dispose.
Create a tree trunk trap: Cut a strip of burlap 18 inches wide and long enough to go around the tree trunk and overlap. Tie a string around the center of the band to make a two layered skirt around the trunk. When the caterpillars climb the tree to eat, they will get caught in the band. You can then scrape them into a bucket of soapy water and dispose.
If you decide to use a pesticide, use one containing Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), a highly effective pesticide for spongy moths but with little impact on humans, pets or beneficial insects. This pesticide should be applied to the leaves of trees because it works when the caterpillars ingest it. Timing is everything, as this pesticide persists for only a couple weeks after application. It works best on young caterpillars and should be used within one to two weeks of hatching. Be sure to follow the label instructions to ensure safe application.
If you are in an infested area, know that it is impossible to completely get rid of all spongy moth caterpillars. Consider cost, safety and environmental health when you are deciding how to handle the insects.
• Stay safe: Avoid climbing trees or using ladders on any unstable surfaces to get to egg masses.
• Focus on protecting young and vulnerable trees first. Watering at least once a week can help trees keep their vigor.
• Do not overuse pesticides. In Michigan, the label is the law.
• If you feel it is needed, have larger trees treated by a certified professional.
• Caterpillar hairs can cause skin irritation, so you may want to wear gloves while managing caterpillars.
The good news:
• Spongy moth outbreaks are cyclical and last up to three years. Populations will collapse due to environmental viral and fungal diseases and remain at unnoticeable levels for eight to 12 years.
• These caterpillars feed for about six to eight weeks, usually slowing in midsummer.
• Hardwoods that are affected will usually releaf in July.
More information on spongy moth is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
