Minnesota Ag Connection - Second Gypsy Moth Treatment in Chisholm Today

Minnesota Ag News Headlines

Second Gypsy Moth Treatment in Chisholm Today
Minnesota Ag Connection - 06/24/2019

On June 24, The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is planning a second treatment to eradicate a gypsy moth infestation in part of Chisholm. This is dependent on the weather at the time.

The aerial treatment may start as early as 5 a.m. The MDA uses a low-flying airplane which will be traveling up to a half mile outside the treatment area as it navigates through the gypsy moth infestation site. The MDA apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the noise of the plane.

The treatment product, Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), is a biological product that is certified organic for food crops. It has no known health effects for humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, bees, and other non-caterpillar insects. However, residents can avoid it by staying indoors during the treatment and keeping windows closed until a half hour after application. Residents can cover gardens or turn on sprinklers during the treatment if they wish. Any residue, which does not cause damage to outdoor items, can be removed with soapy water.

The MDA has set up an Arrest the Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH with the latest details about treatment dates and times. On the morning of the treatment, residents can call the phone number with any questions they may have. Simply press 0 (zero) to speak to someone. The MDA's website (www.mda.state.mn.us/gmtreatments) also has information about gypsy moths and control efforts, and residents can sign up for email or text updates about treatment progress.

Treatment area: A 135-acre area located east of Longyear Lake in the eastern portion of Chisholm. (Click here to download the map.)

Other Minnesota Headlines