Indiana Ag Connection - Fulton Co. Gypsy Moth Treatments Done, Others This Week

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Fulton Co. Gypsy Moth Treatments Done, Others This Week
Indiana Ag Connection - 05/21/2019

Aerial treatments to treat the invasive gypsy moth at a site in Fulton County were completed May 18.

Two other sites, in Porter and LaPorte counties, received the first of their two applications on May 14 and will receive their second application this week, weather permitting. Weather could delay treatments until the following week.

Detailed maps of the treatment sites are at gypsymoth.IN.gov.

Treatment begins shortly after sunrise but could be delayed until later in the morning or to the next favorable day due to unfavorable weather condition such as morning fog or rain. Treatment should take about an hour. A second treatment will occur 4-7 days after the first.

During treatment, people will see a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops. The airplane distributes a spray containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, referred to as Btk, into the treetops of infested areas where non-native gypsy moth caterpillars feed. It kills gypsy moth caterpillars as they feed on tree leaves by disrupting their digestive systems.

Btk occurs naturally in soil and has been used for decades by organic gardeners with an excellent safety record for people and animals. People who live or work near the treatment area might choose to take common-sense precautions, including staying inside when the plane is flying, and for about 30 minutes after treatment is completed. This gives the material time to settle into and adhere to treetops.

The gypsy moth is one of North America's most devastating invasive forest pests.

For more information, call 1-866-NO-EXOTIC (663-9684) or call the local county extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO (1-888-398-4636).

To determine if your property is in the treatment areas and for more information about gypsy moth, see gypsymoth.IN.gov.

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