Gypsy Moth Spraying Time

A press release from the Village of Lakewood:

Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying

Gypsy moths were found at Gypsy Moth Cumberland and Broadway on the edge of Crystal Lake.

Gypsy moths were found at Gypsy Moth Cumberland and Broadway on the edge of Crystal Lake.

Viable gypsy moth egg masses have been found at two locations within the Village.

The locations are near the intersection of Broadway and Cumberland Lane, and near the intersection of Huntley Road and Oakwood Drive.

There are numerous egg masses that cannot be reached using ground based treatment strategies, so the Village will be conducting aerial spraying for gypsy moths at and around the aforementioned locations.

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.

Near the western edge of the oak-hickory forest in which homes near the lake are situation is another infestation of gypsy moths.

Near the western edge of the oak-hickory forest in which homes near the lake are situation is another infestation of gypsy moths.

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.

The initial application is tentatively scheduled to occur on Thursday, May 29 or Friday, May 30, depending on weather conditions and larvae development.

Gypsy Moth Spraging Warning Gate 3 5-9The Village will post signs in the spray areas the day before the aerial spraying. 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.

Gypsy moth spraying over Country Club Additions in Lakewood in 2010.

Gypsy moth spraying over Country Club Additions in Lakewood in 2010.

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.


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