(WFRV) – Starting this month, residents in parts of Wisconsin may notice low-flying planes early in the morning. These planes are part of a state effort to stop the spread of the invasive spongy moth.
According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), planes will be spraying areas in Buffalo, Grant and Pepin counties as part of a national program called ‘Slow the Spread of the Spongy Moth.’ The program is designed to prevent the moth from moving into new areas.
The DATCP says the spraying will happen in May and early June, depending on the weather and the development of the moths. Planes will begin flying at sunrise and continue until the job is done or weather forces a stop.
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Images courtesy of The Animal and Plant Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture
The spread of spongy moth has slowed by 87%, according to the DATCP, over the past two decades thanks to the national program. However, delays in federal funding mean that Wisconsin will spray fewer areas this year, down from five counties to three.
The release says spongy moth caterpillars can seriously damage trees by eating their leaves, which can lead to tree death and lower property value. The caterpillars also shed bristly skins that can irritate people’s skin, eyes, and breathing.
Michael Falk, who leads DATCP’s Forest Pest Survey and Control Unit, said the moths spread easily by hitching rides on vehicles, firewood, and outdoor equipment, especially during outbreaks.
Our 2025 treatment plan aims to prevent newly established populations from gaining a foothold in un-infested regions of western Wisconsin and to reduce future negative impact to our timber, nursery, and tourism industries.
Michael Falk, Forest Pest Survey and Control Unit Supervisor at DATCP
To stop the caterpillars, the DATCP says the small yellow planes will spray a natural bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) on tree canopies. Btk is safe for people, pets, bees and other animals and breaks down within days.
However, the DATCP highlights people with severe allergies may want to stay indoors while spraying is underway.
For more information or treatment plans, you can sign up for email updates, call the toll-free Spongy Moth Hotline 800-624-MOTH, or emailing questions to [email protected].
