(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Friday that aerial treatments will begin for spongy moths in May.
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“Spongy moth egg masses and larvae spread easily on firewood, vehicles and outdoor objects, especially during population outbreaks like those we saw in central and eastern Wisconsin a couple of years ago,” Michael Falk, the DATCP Forest Pest Survey and Control Unit Supervisor, said.
According to a release, residents in the areas of several western Wisconsin counties may hear loud, low-flying planes as early as sunrise on certain days.
Those counties are as follows for May and part of June, as small yellow airplanes spray naturally occurring soil bacteria to treetops:
- Dunn
- Grant
- Lafayette
- Pepin
- Trempealeau
In June and July, the following counties will see planes applying female spongy moth pheromone or mating disruptor to treetops:
- Barron
- Buffalo
- Dunn
- Grant
- Lafayette
- Pepin
- Washburn
According to the release, spongy moth can defoliate trees and shrubs during its caterpillar stage, which can kill plants or, at the very least, cause stress to them. In addition, it can cost money for residents with property value decreases and pesticide treatments.
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Officials also say that spongy moth caterpillars shed often, and their skin can irritate human eyes, skin and the respiratory system.
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