Gypsy Moth Update 5-17-2013
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GYPSY MOTH AERIAL SPRAY UPDATE – May 17, 2013
WHAT: Gypsy moth aerial spraying by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Program and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource's Suppression Program.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 21, weather permitting.
WHERE: Selected sites located in Iowa, Lafayette, Crawford, Grant, Rock, and Green/Dane counties. The plans for Tuesday include Governor Dodge State Park. Dane County will only be sprayed in a couple of areas in the far south, where Green County spray sites cross over the border into Dane County. Maps of spray sites are available to view online at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov.
WHY: To control the spread (Dept of Ag) or reduce high populations (DNR) 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:
All of the spray sites planned for Tuesday, May 21 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.
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. It will be loud.
The spraying does not affect organic certification.
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.
Some sites will receive a second application of Btk about three to 10 days after the first application.
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 Governor Dodge State Park, 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.
Thank you.