Gypsy Moth Spray Update June 3, 2014
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You are subcribed to receive gypsy moth spray notifications. You will receive regular e-mail updates until all spraying is completed in Wisconsin this year. You can unsubcribe at any time. This is an outgoing mailbox only. Replies to this email will not be received. GYPSY MOTH AERIAL SPRAY UPDATE – June 3, 2014 COMPLETED for this year: All spraying in Green, Jackson, Lafayette, Rock and Trempealeau counties. Also, Btk treatments in Dunn, Eau Claire, Grant, La Crosse and Richland counties and Gypchek sites in Eau Claire County. UPCOMING SPRAY PLANS by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection WHEN: Wednesday, June 4, weather permitting. WHERE: Select treatment sites in Barron, Polk and Rusk counties. Maps of spray sites are available to view online at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov. WHY: 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. SPRAY DETAILS: All spray sites on June 4th will be treated with the biological insecticide Btk. The formulation used (Foray 48B) is approved for use in certified organic production and food processing by the Organic Materials Review Institute. Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki or Btk, is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that is poisonous to gypsy moth caterpillars when they eat it. Btk breaks down in sunlight within a few days and is not toxic to people, bees, animals, birds or plants. The spraying does not affect organic certification. WHAT TO EXPECT: Spraying can start as early as sunrise and will continue until the day’s spray plan is complete and as weather conditions allow. Spraying requires calm winds, high humidity and no precipitation. The planes will fly low, just above the tree tops. It will be loud. People who are uncomfortable or have severe allergies may wish to stay indoors or leave the area until the spraying is done. Pets or livestock may be frightened by the noise of the low-flying planes, so keep them indoors or keep a close eye on them. Feel free to share this information with others. |