GREEN BAY Wis. -- Gypsy moth aerial spraying is winding down in northeast Wisconsin. However, spraying is scheduled for this weekend in several counties of Northeast Wisconsin.
Spraying will take place today and Saturday in the following counties: Adams, Green Lake, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Shawano and Waushara Counties. Weather may force some spraying to take place on Sunday as well.
Low flying single engine aircraft are being used and if the plane is in your area, please be advised of its purpose. The DNR gypsy moth spraying program uses low-flying, single engine airplanes. Spraying begins shortly after dawn and continues as long as weather conditions remain favorable. Afternoon and evening spraying may occur. These airplanes may fly overhead, but will only spray in the treatment areas. The spraying is occurring in order to reduce high populations of gypsy moths and prevent defoliation where landowners and local governments have requested treatment.
Treatments will use an insecticide containing the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, also known as
Bt or
Btk. This insecticide is not harmful to people or pets. However, those living in the treatment areas may wish to remain indoors with doors and windows closed in order to avoid direct exposure to the spray.
Gypsy moth management information and maps of treatment areas are available at
www.gypsymoth.wi.gov.
Homeowners seeking assistance can also call the DNR gypsy moth hotline,
1-800-642-MOTH. Additional information can also be found at the following website:
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=1087
