Airplanes will spray forests in Bayfield and Douglas counties starting Thursday and into next weekend if necessary.
Depending on the weather -- low winds and few clouds are best -- the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection gypsy moth effort will spray about 9,500 acres in Bayfield County and 2,800 acres in Douglas County in an effort to slow the spread of the invasive pest.
Planes will spray a synthetic hormone intended to disrupt moth mating by
giving adult male gypsy moths false leads when searching for females. The mating disruptant does not kill the gypsy moths. It also is not toxic to people, animals, birds and other insects.
Planes will start spraying between 6 and 7 a.m. if weather conditions are favorable, and may continue into the evening to complete the day's spray plans. The planes will fly above the treetops and be loud. This may frighten pets or livestock. If possible, monitor animals or keep them indoors.
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For more information, go to www.gypsymoth.wi.gov or call (800) 642-6684.
