By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has outlined plans for a second aerial treatment aimed at controlling spongy moth populations in four specified areas of Carlton County. This action follows detections of infestations last fall, with the treatments scheduled for the week of June 17, subject to favorable weather.
Residents looking to stay informed about the timing of these operations can sign up for updates via text by sending "MNMDA Treatments" to 66468, or email notifications through the MDA's website. Maps detailing the treatment locations are available online, allowing residents to pinpoint the affected areas.
During these operations, a low-flying aircraft will dispense Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a biologically based product certified for use in organic farming. Btk is recognized for its safety, posing no known risks to humans, animals, or beneficial insects, including bees.
On treatment days, operations are set to begin at 5 a.m. and may extend over several days. The MDA advises residents that they might hear the aircraft early in the morning but reassures that the noise is temporary and for a beneficial cause. For those with concerns on treatment days, the MDA's Report a Pest Info Line is available for immediate assistance.
Residents within the management areas are advised that while Btk is harmless, they may prefer to stay indoors during spraying and keep windows closed shortly afterward as a precaution. Any residue from the treatment on outdoor surfaces can be washed off with soapy water.
Spongy moths, known for their significant damage to forests in the Eastern U.S., pose a growing threat to Minnesota's landscapes. The caterpillars favor trees like oak, poplar, birch, and willow, and can strip foliage extensively if left unchecked. The MDA continues its efforts to curb the spread of this pest, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in these management activities.
Photo Credit -pexels-heru-vision
Categories: Minnesota, General