Suppression spray program for gypsy moth begins next week
Below is information about the Wisconsin DNR’s upcoming aerial suppression spray for gypsy moths in Dane County at sites in the cities of Madison and Sun Prairie.
WHAT: Aerial spraying for gypsy moth caterpillars by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Gypsy Moth Suppression Program
WHEN: Spraying is expected during the week of May 21-25, 2018. At present, the treatments are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday May 22. However, treatments could occur on other dates, depending on weather and caterpillar development.
NOTE: A separate spraying program, Slow the Spread, which is conducted by the WI DATCP in parts of western Wisconsin, is also tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 22. For more information on the Slow the Spread program, including treatment maps, visit http://gypsymoth.wi.gov
WHERE: The DNR's gypsy moth suppression program is scheduled for seven sites in Dane County, in the cities of Madison and Sun Prairie. Maps of spray sites can be viewed online at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov.
WHY: The spraying is necessary to suppress surging populations 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, in areas where it has previously established.
PLAN DETAILS: Weather permitting, suppression spray operations will take place Tuesday May 22 in Dane County in the cities of Madison and Sun Prairie. The pesticide to be used is Foray 48B, which is approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use in certified organic production and food processing. The insecticide contains Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, also known as Btk, which is a naturally occurring soil bacterium lethal 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 as long as weather conditions are suitable, until the day’s spray plan is complete.
• The planes will be small and yellow, similar to those used for crop dusting. They will fly low and may be loud. The planes will only spray Btk in specific, pre-determined treatment areas.
• The spray is not harmful to people or pets. Residents living in the treatment areas may choose to stay inside with doors and windows closed for the brief period while the spraying is occurring to minimize direct exposure to the spray.
• Pets or other animals may be frightened by the noise of the low-flying planes; keep them indoors or monitor them.
• The spraying does not affect organic certification.
• Btk is not toxic to people, bees, animals, birds or plants.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Spray updates will be available as a recorded message on the toll-free hotline 1-800-642-6684, press 1. To sign up for frequent, emailed spray notification updates, visit: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestHealth/GypsyMothSignUp.html.
For more information or to view maps of the spray areas, please see the website http://gypsymoth.wi.gov. You can also send an e-mail to gypsymoth@wisconsin.gov.