Minnesota Uses Low-Flying Aircraft To Fight Invasive Spongy Moth

Don't be alarmed if you hear planes buzzing low over tree tops in the coming weeks. At least, don't be alarmed if they are the yellow planes that are spraying for spongy month.

Spongy Moth - An Invasive Species

Spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, is an invasive forest pest. It arrived from Europe over 100 years ago. The caterpillars hatch in the spring and feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs. They can defoliate a tree to the point where it kills it. Severe defoliation over multiple seasons can cause large areas of forest to be destroyed.

Spongy moth is one of the reasons it's illegal to transport firewood from out of state into Minnesota. It's also why you need certified firewood for State Parks, as the spongy moth lays eggs in firewood and they "hitchhike" to new areas.

Low Flying Aircraft Spraying Now Through Mid-July

They will be spraying to manage spongy moth in nine counties across Minnesota. Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona, Aitkin, Carlton, Pine, and St. Louis counties will all have areas treated in the coming weeks.

Southern Minnesota spraying is occurring now through July 1st. Northern Minnesota spraying will take place on July 13th.

What Are They Spraying?

They are spraying SPLAT GM-O. It stands for Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology Gypsy Moth-Organic. It's a product that releases a pheromone that prevents male moths from finding females. It prevents reproduction. The EPA considers the product to be safe for humans and animals when used as directed.