Aerial Spraying for the European Gypsy Moth in Oswego Begins this Week

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be conducting Aerial Spraying for the European Gypsy Moth beginning this week, May 16, 2013.  

The attached map shows the area in which the spraying will be occuring. Oswego has had a slight modification from the one presented in April due to the discovery of an eagle's nest. 

The helicopter used for this aerial application will be spraying the biological pesticide Btk.  Btk is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil.  Like other bacteria, Btk forms spores, but unique to this species, it also forms crystals that contain a natural substance toxic to certain types of moths and butterflies.  

There will be two treatments spready about between 7 - 10 days. Nancy Williams of the Illinois Agriculture Department said at a previous time that the spraying occurs in the early morning around 5 a.m. 

When formulated as an insecticide, BTK is a stomach poison that must be eaten by a gypsy moth caterpillar to be effective.  The effectiveness of Btk declines rapidly, normally lasting only about a week after application.  

Btk is not toxic to people or animals.  People who handle and load the insecticide are the most likely ones to experience any effects.  These effects could consist of minor irritations of the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.  Based on epidemiological studies and the long history of its use, there is no evidence that the application of Btk formulations cause any effects to people or animals in treated areas.  

The European Gypsy Moth is an invasive species from Europe and is one of the most damaging forest and tree pests in the United States.  This treatment is part of a statewide program to prevent EGM from establishing itself outside of the Northeast corner of Illinois.  

For treatment information specific to your area or for additional information regarding the gypsy moth you can contact the IDNR DeKalb Office at (815)787-5476 or visit their website.