A spongy moth trap, using a pheromone lure that mimics the female moth's mating scent, catches male spongy moths (formerly called gypsy moths) before they can mate. Hang it on the south side of a tree, about 4 to 5 feet above the ground, from late April through late September, and plan on one trap per quarter acre of yard.
What Time of Year Should a Spongy Moth Trap Go Up?
A spongy moth trap should go up in late April and stay in place through late September. That window covers the period when adult spongy moths emerge and mate, which is when a pheromone trap does its work.
Where on a Tree Should a Spongy Moth Trap Be Mounted?
Mount the trap about 4 to 5 feet above the ground on the south side of the tree, which gives it better air circulation than a shaded or north-facing spot. A trap hung too low or on the wrong side of the tree still functions, but the improved airflow on the south side helps the lure's scent carry further.
How Many Spongy Moth Traps Does a Yard Need?
One trap covers about a quarter acre of yard. A larger property needs more than one trap, spaced out across the area rather than clustered on a single tree, so the coverage overlaps instead of leaving gaps.
How Does a Pheromone Trap Actually Catch Spongy Moths?
The Spongy (Gypsy) Moth Trap, Reusable uses a lure made from a highly purified form of the adult moth's sex pheromone, drawing male moths into the trap before mating occurs. Fewer successful matings mean fewer egg masses laid that year, which reduces the caterpillar population the following spring.
How Often Does the Trap Need Maintenance?
The trap needs regular emptying throughout the season to keep it working, since a clogged entrance stops attracting moths effectively. The Spongy (Gypsy) Moth Trap Replacement Lure inside it should be swapped once a year, since the pheromone loses potency over time, and the lure should stay refrigerated until it goes in the trap each spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a spongy moth trap cost?
About $16 to start: $15.95 CAD for the Spongy (Gypsy) Moth Trap, Reusable, plus $6.95 CAD for a replacement lure in following seasons.
Does the reusable trap come with its first lure included?
Yes. One pheromone lure ships inside the Spongy (Gypsy) Moth Trap, Reusable at purchase, so a replacement lure is only needed starting the second season.
Is there a minimum order for free shipping on a trap and lure?
Yes. Most Canadian orders over $125 ship free; a single trap and lure combo falls well under that threshold on its own, so shipping is charged at checkout unless it's added to a larger order.
Can a spongy moth trap be picked up in-store instead of shipped?
Yes. A pickup location can be chosen at checkout, and orders are typically ready within about three hours of purchase.
What is the return policy if a trap doesn't perform as expected?
45 days. Items can be returned within that window in original condition with original packaging, though a restocking fee may apply if the packaging is damaged or missing.
