Western Wisconsin Spongy Moth Treatment Flights Resuming

DATCP officials are advising Western Wisconsin residents that aerial treatments for the spongy moth will soon begin again.

The invasive species has been spreading across the state over recent years, prompting the treatment flights and other trapping efforts. According to a press release from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, the aerial treatments will see small yellow planes spreading a naturally occurring kind of soil bacteria across treetops. The first round of treatments will take place in Dunn, Grant, Lafayette, Pepin, and Trempealeau Counties throughout May and June.

Beginning in June, the planes will also apply a female Spongy Moth pheromone to treetops in Barron, Buffalo, Dunn, Grant, Lafayette, Pepin, and Washburn Counties. Unlike the soil bacteria, this treatment will not actually harm the Spongy Moths at all. The pheromone is meant to make it more difficult for male moths to find females in the area, disrupting their mating season and slowing their spread. It’s also safe for humans and pets, as well as other animals and insects.

Western Wisconsin residents should also look out for signs of Spongy Moth infestations in their area. Those signs could include trees and shrubs that appear to have been defoliated by the invasive species during its caterpillar stage or Spongy Moth egg masses on firewood, vehicles, or other outdoor objects.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also encourages residents to avoid transporting firewood to different areas of the state as the weather warms up and they begin to spend more time outdoors. Transporting firewood is one of the most common ways Spongy Moth egg masses spread, so residents should only use locally sourced firewood whenever possible.