Gypsy moth spray update May 22, 2014
COMPLETED MAY 22: All aerial spray sites in Green and Rock Counties. Rock County treatments and the entire DNR Gypsy Moth Suppression Program are complete for this year. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will continue spraying as follows.
UPCOMING SPRAY PLANS
WHEN: Thursday, May 23, weather permitting.
WHERE: Select treatment sites located in LaCrosse and Lafayette 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 of the spray sites planned for Friday, May 23 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Spray updates are available as a recorded message on the toll-free information line 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).
For more information or to view maps of the spray areas, please see http://gypsymoth.wi.gov.
If you would like to talk with program staff about the spraying in Rock County, call the information line above and press 2. If you would like to talk with someone about any of the other spray areas, press 3. You can also send an e-mail to gypsymoth@wisconsin.gov.