Gypsy Moth Spray Update, May 23, 2016
GYPSY MOTH AERIAL SPRAYING UPDATE – May 23, 2016
COMPLETE: Gypsy moth aerial spraying by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Suppression Program is complete for the year. The only two treatment sites for the program in 2016 were in Rock and Sauk Counties.
WHAT: Gypsy moth aerial spraying by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread (STS) Program.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 24, weather permitting.
WHERE: Select sites in Douglas and Sawyer counties. A spray progress chart and maps of spray sites can be viewed online at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov.
WHY: The spraying is 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: Btk treatments will occur in the previously mentioned counties covering three spray blocks. Most sites may have more than one treatment planned and will be sprayed again on a later date.
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: 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. 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 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.
Most sites will receive a second application of Btk about three to 10 days after the first application.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Spray 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.