GYPSY MOTH AERIAL SPRAYING UPDATE – 14-MAY-2017
WHAT: Gypsy moth aerial treatments by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread (STS) Program and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Suppression Program.
Overall, the STS aerial program for 2017 consists of 51 treatment sites, involving approximately 170,000 acres in 18 counties, mostly in western Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Suppression Program is treating 5 sites in Dane and Sauk counties this year, totaling 435 acres.
WHEN: Monday, May 15, 2017, weather permitting.
WHERE: Select sites in Grant, Green, Lafayette and Richland counties, (The five sites in Dane and Sauk counties are currently scheduled for spray on Tuesday, May 16). A progress chart and maps of treatment sites can be viewed online at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov.
WHY: The treatments are necessary to control the spread of gypsy moth, a destructive and invasive pest that feeds on the leaves of oaks, maples, crabapple, birch, and many other species of trees and shrubs.
PLAN DETAILS: Weather permitting, in Grant, Green, Lafayette and Richland counties, the first Btk treatments will begin Monday, covering seven sites. Most sites may have more than one treatment planned and will be treated again on a later date. In Dane and Sauk counties, the only Btk treatments planned will be applied on Tuesday if weather allows, and then gypsy moth spraying in these counties will be complete for the year.
TREATMENTS: Planes will apply Foray 48B, which is approved for use in certified organic production or food processing by the Organic Materials Review Institute. The insecticide contains Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki or Btk. Btk is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that is poisonous to gypsy moth caterpillars when consumed. Btk breaks down in sunlight within a few days.
OTHER DETAILS: Applications can start as early as sunrise and will continue until the day’s plan is complete and as weather conditions allow. Treatment applications require calm winds, high humidity, and no precipitation.
The planes will fly low, just above the tree tops. They will be loud.
Spraying does not affect organic certification.
The insecticide is not toxic to people, bees, animals, birds, or plants.
People who have allergies may wish to stay indoors or leave the area until treatments are done. Pets or livestock may be frightened by the noise of the low-flying planes, so keep them indoors or monitor them.
Except in Dane and Sauk counties, most sites will receive a second application of Btk about three to 10 days after the first application.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Treatment updates will be available as a recorded message on the toll-free hotline 1-800-642-6684, press 1. You also can get instant updates by connecting with us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/widatcp) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/widatcp). You can also send an e-mail to gypsymoth@wisconsin.gov.