GYPSY MOTH SPRAYING TO BEGIN
Tuesday, May 10th, 2005 -- 2:41 PM
Yellow spray planes will soon take to the sky to battle gypsy moth in southwest Wisconsin as part of the effort by the Wisconsin Cooperative Gypsy Moth program to slow the spread of this destructive forest pest.The gypsy moth severely impacts the health of trees and shrubs and the insects may also impact human health.
While none of tomorrow?s spraying zones will be in our area, In June, certain areas in Bayfield, Clark, Jackson and Monroe Counties will receive one application of a product called Gypchek that contains a virus specific to gypsy moths.
Gypchek is used in areas where the caterpillar-stage of endangered moths or butterflies may be feeding at the same time as the gypsy moth caterpillars. Gypchek will not harm the endangered or threatened moths or butterflies.
The insect was introduced in Massachusetts in 1869 and has since spread south and west. The leading edge of the advancing population has reached central Wisconsin.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.