Gypsy Moth Spray Update June 18, 2013
COMPLETED COUNTIES: All gypsy moth spraying is complete for this year in Barron, Crawford, Dane, Dunn, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Polk, Richland, Rusk, Sawyer, Trempealeau and Vernon Counties. Also, all Btk and Gypchek treatments are complete for this year.
UPCOMING PLANS
WHAT: Gypsy moth aerial spraying by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
WHEN: Estimated for late in the week of June 24, weather permitting
We will wait for gypsy moth caterpillars to cycle into their pupa stage and then emerge as actual moths. Then, the USDA Forest Service will launch a separate pheromone flake program designed to disrupt mating patterns of mature moths. Maps of spray sites are available to view online at http://gypsymoth.wi.gov. More details about spray locations on specific dates will be shared when they are known.
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.
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.
Pheromone flakes are a mating disruption product. The flakes are tiny -- about the size of a grain of rice. They are flat and green. The sticky flakes are applied at a rate of one of two flakes per square foot of tree canopy. They confuse male moths by mimicking the female moth's pheromone, which she uses to attract mates.
The insecticide is not toxic to people, bees, animals, birds or plants.
People who are uncomfortable or have 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.
The spraying does not affect organic certification.
Feel free to share this information with others.
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).
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.