Moth spray will impact county

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and partner organizations are proposing to treat spongy moth infestations this summer in seven counties across eastern Minnesota. Of the 42 sites, nearly half are in Carlton County.

Residents are invited to get more information on the spraying at a meeting 4-6 p.m April 2 at the Cloquet Public Library.

Formerly known as gypsy moths, spongy moths are ranked among America’s most destructive tree pests. The insect has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests as it has spread from New England westward in recent decades. Spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. This pest is found in most of Wisconsin and is now establishing itself in northeastern Minnesota.

The MDA monitors for spongy moth each year, surveying for startup infestations. When an infestation is found, the department conducts aerial treatments and targets the infestation before it can spread. The number of spongy moths detected in Minnesota in recent years has increased, and populations continue to push westward. The increase in moths created the need for more treatment areas this year.

The treatment areas total approximately 160,000 acres and are proposed in Carlton, Chisago, Filmore, Houston, Isanti, Pine, and St. Louis counties. The areas will be treated with an organic substance containing pheromones specific to spongy moths that confuses the male moths. The treatments will be conducted June through July, depending on insect development and weather.

The MDA has successfully treated dozens of spongy moth infestations across eastern Minnesota from Grand Portage to the Twin Cities area to Houston County in the southeast. These successful treatments help postpone a full-scale invasion of spongy moth. They also save local communities and homeowners money and protect the health of the state’s urban and natural forests.

Citizens can also find more information at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/smtreatments. Residents in proposed treatment areas will also be receiving a postcard with more information.

Written comments regarding treatments can be submitted through April 15 to [email protected] or Kimberly Thielen Cremers, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 Robert St., North St. Paul MN 55155.