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Spongy Moth Quarantine and Regulatory Information
Spongy moth is a serious invasive forest pest that requires a quarantine to slow it's spread. The spongy moth quarantine limits the movement of certain items out of a designated area and is an effective tool in managing and slowing it's spread across the U.S. and Minnesota.
Spongy moths are expert hitchhikers and are commonly transported as egg masses. The female will lay her eggs on any solid surface increasing the risk of further distribution.
The following articles are regulated under spongy moth quarantines:
- All stages of the spongy moth life cycle including: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult moths
- Logs, posts, sawbolts, and pulpwood
- Bark and bark products
- Nursery stock
- Christmas trees, boughs, wreaths and garland
- Firewood
- Outdoor household articles
- Mobile homes and associated items
- Any other products, articles, or means of conveyance that present a high risk of artificial spread of spongy moth
Nursery stock
Nursery stock shipped out of a quarantine by a nursery or dealer must be treated or visually inspected and certified pest-free. Shippers must be operating under a compliance agreement with state or federal agriculture agencies prior to moving stock.
Christmas Trees
Trees cut in a spongy moth quarantined area must be treated during the growing season prior to shipping. Growers operating under a compliance agreement are eligible to certify, document, and ship loads.
Logs, Posts, Pulpwood, Bark and Bark Products
Shippers operating under a compliance agreement must document all loads leaving the quarantine and specify the destination. Treat or remove any life stages found upon inspection. Receivers of quarantined products must operate under a compliance agreement and follow the guidelines set within for processing procedures.
Spongy Moth Quarantine Limited Permit FAQs
All untreated regulated articles, such as sawbolts, pulpwood, or bark for fuel, must be accompanied by a limited permit when leaving spongy moth quarantined areas. Untreated regulated articles can only be transported to specified locations in accordance with specialized conditions.
Limited permits cannot be used for shipment of sawlogs, firewood, bark for mulch, holiday greenery, nursery stock, or for movement outside of Minnesota.
Limited permits expire annually on April 30. Contact the MDA if you need a limited permit after April 30 for the 2024 calendar year.
To obtain a limited permit, individuals must complete a training provided by the MDA. If you had a valid 2023 limited permit you will be emailed instructions on the 2024 training and renewal application. All MDA limited permits expire annually on April 30.
Online training is available by following the steps below.
- Complete the application form.
- Submit your application by email to the MDA.
- Watch the MDA training video.
- Complete the online quiz.
Your limited permit will be emailed to you after completing the four steps above in 7-10 business days. If you have questions, please contact the MDA at reportapest@state.mn.us.
Compliance Agreement FAQs
A compliance agreement is a formal agreement between the state and an entity who handle or move regulated articles out of a quarantine. Compliance agreements establish standard operating procedures that meet the quarantine requirements to limit the risk of spreading spongy moth. Compliance agreements are typically established with entities that handle and move sawlogs, firewood, bark, holiday greenery, and more.
Quarantine violations occur when companies or individuals transport regulated articles out of the quarantined area without appropriate documentation. This can result in civil or criminal penalties. Entities that regularly move regulated articles can continue to do so if they are operating under a compliance agreement.
