By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in collaboration with partner organizations, is gearing up to combat the spread of the invasive spongy moth, Lymantria dispar, across nine eastern counties of the state in 2025. Recognized as one of America’s most destructive tree pests, the spongy moth poses significant threats to both the environment and economy by damaging forests extensively.
Proposed Treatment Areas: Forty-three areas totaling about 115,000 acres have been identified for treatment in Aitkin, Anoka, Carlton, Fillmore, Houston, Itasca, Pine, St. Louis, and Winona counties.
These areas will undergo management with either Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), an organically certified biological insecticide, or through mating disruption techniques using pheromones to prevent moth reproduction.
Management Strategy and Timing: Management operations are scheduled from May through July, depending on the development stages of the insect and prevailing weather conditions. This proactive approach has been part of the MDA’s ongoing efforts to monitor and control the pest population, which has seen an increase and westward expansion in recent years.
Public Engagement and Information: The MDA emphasizes public involvement and education by hosting informational meetings. Residents within the proposed management areas are encouraged to participate in these sessions to understand the implications and methods of the spongy moth management strategies:
- March 18, 2025: Virtual meeting for residents of Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties.
- March 19, 2025: Open house at Sand Creek Park Community Room, Coon Rapids, discussing Btk management.
- March 20, 2025: Virtual meeting addressing Pine, Carlton, Aitkin, St. Louis, and Itasca counties.
Additional Resources: Residents can access an interactive map on the MDA website to check if their location falls within the management areas. They are also invited to register for virtual meetings, sign up for updates, and view detailed maps of the management zones through the MDA’s dedicated web pages.
This strategic initiative not only aims to curb the immediate threat posed by the spongy moth but also to preserve the health of Minnesota’s urban and natural forests, ensuring long-term sustainability and protection against this invasive pest.
Photo Credits:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, General