Aerial treatments to slow the spread of the invasive gypsy moth are scheduled to begin Wednesday, May 23, at the Tiosa site in Fulton County.
Detailed maps of treatment sites can be found at gypsymoth.IN.gov.
The plane should arrive in Tiosa around 6:30 a.m., and the treatment should take about an hour.
Treatments could be delayed if weather conditions become unfavorable. This is the last of the two Btk treatments.
During treatments, people will see a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops. The airplanes distribute a spray containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, often referred to as Btk, into the treetops of infested areas where non-native gypsy moth caterpillars feed. Btk occurs naturally in soil. It kills gypsy moth caterpillars as they feed on tree leaves by disrupting their digestive systems.
Btk has been used for decades by organic gardeners and has an excellent safety record with people and animals. People who live or work near the treatment areas might choose to take common-sense precautions, including staying inside when the planes are flying, and for about 30 minutes after treatments are complete. This gives the material time to settle out of the air and adhere to treetops.
The gypsy moth is one of North America’s most devastating invasive forest pests.
Additional treatments to slow the spread of gypsy moth are planned for mid- to late June in Marshall County.
For more information, call 1-866-NO-EXOTIC (663-9684) or call the local county extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO (1-888-398-4636).
To determine if your property is in the treatment areas and for more information about gypsy moth, see gypsymoth.IN.gov.
SOURCE: News release from Indiana Department of Natural Resources