What county government spent in recent years to spray for gypsy moths.
The McHenry County Board will not spray for gypsy moths this year resulting in a savings of $15,618.35.
Public Information Officer Adam Lehmann provided this additional information:
“The County determined to not fund spraying for gypsy moths this year due to due to budget constraints, relatively few complaints we have received over the last two years, and low trap counts.
Gypsy moth spraying signs like this one put out by McHenry County will not appear this year because of budget cutbacks.
“The County will re-assess after the 2011 season for 2012.”
The Village of Lakewood and the City of Crystal Lake are still going to do some spraying.
Crystal Lake will spent $9.625 for two applications of 125 acres. The price was $38.50 per acre. Last year Crystal Lake piggy-backed on the county contract.
Coordinating with Crystal Lake, Lakewood is paying the same firm, Hendrickson Flying Service, the same price per acre for the same service on the same days. The bugs will be attacked on 68 acres there.
The following press release from Lakewood explains a bit more of what will happen:
Aerial Spraying of Gypsy Moths in the Village of Lakewood
Gypsy moths have been recently spotted in the Village near Cumberland Lane. The Village of Lakewood, in cooperation with neighboring communities, will be aerial spraying for gypsy moths in the area of the 200 – 300 blocks from Essex Lane to Warwick Lane.
Gypsy moth infested sites will be treated by helicopter with an application of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (B.t.k.), a naturally occurring bacteria used by gardeners as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. B.t.k. is not considered toxic for people, animals, birds, fish, and other insects such as bees and ladybugs. Also, it does not harm water supplies
As a general precaution, Public Health officials recommend all persons in spray areas minimize exposure to B.t.k. Persons who are more susceptible to infections or respiratory irritation should pay particular attention to the precautions above. This includes people with underlying illness such as leukemia, AIDS or other immune system deficiency, people receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatment, and people with asthma, emphysema or allergic sensitivities.
Gypsy moth spraying over Country Club Additions in Lakewood in 2010.
The initial application is tentatively scheduled for late May or early June as spraying is dependent on weather conditions. A follow-up application will occur 7-10 days after the initial application.
The gypsy moth is a non-native leaf-eating insect that feasts on plants and shrubs. Gypsy moths are among the most destructive forest and landscape pests in the United States. In large populations, it is capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them vulnerable to secondary insect and disease attacks. Oak trees are the most vulnerable to gypsy moth devastation, but the caterpillars will feed on up to 500 other types of trees and shrubs if oak leaves are scarce.
The Village will post signs in the spray area the day before aerial spraying.