The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture plans to treat 32 sites across 15 western Wisconsin counties for spongy moth starting in late June. Residents can expect to see and hear loud, low-flying planes as early as sunrise.
From late June to mid-July, planes will spray an organic, biodegradable mating disruptor containing spongy moth pheromone, which inhibits the adult male spongy moth's ability to locate females. This mating disruptor is not harmful to humans, animals, birds, or other insects.
"These treatments are highly effective at reducing the mating success of this insect," said DATCP Spongy Moth Program Manager Christopher Foelker. "The chemical signal released is specific to spongy moth and will not interfere with the life cycle of other insects."
The following counties are scheduled to receive treatment: Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Grant, Eau Claire, Lafayette, Pepin, Rusk, Sawyer, Trempealeau, Vernon and Washburn.
Formerly known as gypsy moths, spongy moths are non-native pests that defoliate many tree species during their caterpillar stage, causing tree stress and potentially tree death.
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle