Battling spongy moth - Minnesota's plan for eastern counties

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in collaboration with partner organizations, is gearing up to address spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) infestations in eastern Minnesota.

Recognized as one of America's top tree pests, the spongy moth has wreaked havoc on forests, prompting action to prevent further damage and spread.

This summer, the MDA's proposed strategy involves aerial treatments in Carlton, Chisago, Filmore, Houston, Isanti, Pine, and St. Louis counties, covering roughly 160,000 acres.

Two primary methods will be employed: the application of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), an organically certified biological insecticide, and the use of mating disruption, a technique that confuses male moths with specific pheromones. Residents within the affected areas can consult an interactive map on the MDA website to check if their location is within the treatment zones.

The treatment schedule, running from June to July, will be determined by the pest's development stages and weather conditions. This effort is part of the MDA's ongoing commitment to managing spongy moth populations, which have been on the rise in Minnesota.

Successful past treatments have demonstrated the program's effectiveness in delaying the pest's invasion and mitigating financial and ecological impacts on communities and forests.

To inform and engage the public, the MDA is hosting informational meetings in affected counties and virtually, discussing the spongy moth, treatment methods, and the significance of the initiative. These sessions are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of pest control efforts and their benefits.

Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend these meetings or register for the virtual sessions to learn more about the fight against the spongy moth.

Feedback on the proposed treatments is welcome through April 15, 2024, via mail or email to: Kimberly Thielen Cremers Minnesota Department of Agriculture 625 Robert Street North St. Paul, MN 55155 kimberly.tcremers@state.mn. We are ensuring community input is considered in the final treatment plans.

For more details on the spongy moth treatments, including how to register for meetings and receive updates, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/smtreatments. This initiative reflects Minnesota's proactive approach to preserving its natural and urban forests against invasive pests, ensuring the health and sustainability of the state's green spaces.

Photo Credit -istock-georgeclerk