It would appear the city of Janesville is now winning the fight against the spongy moths which had taken over Lustig Park.
Operations Superintendent Ethan Lee says along with oil and chemical spraying, this year they’ve added no mow areas and planted native shrubs which act as a habitat for birds and mice to prey on the moths and their larvae.
Lee says last year the moth infestation was so bad at points, they city had to shut down the playground at the park, but because of the multifaceted approach they’ve taken this year the city has seen a roughly 75% drop in spongy moths and their larvae at the park.
Lee says they plan to plant more trees and oil moth eggs this fall to make sure they pest don’t make a comeback.
