Aerial spongy moth treatments hitting parts of county

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is planning to treat six areas in Carlton County and one area in St. Louis County to manage spongy moth infestations detected in those areas last fall.

Officials plan to conduct the first of two rounds of aerial management activities the week of June 10, a news release said.

The exact date and time of aerial management activities are heavily dependent on weather conditions and insect development. For the most up-to-date information on these activities, citizens are encouraged to sign up for text or email notifications.

Receive text notifications by texting “MNMDA Treatments” to 66468.

Receive email notifications by texting “MNMDA Treatments [your email address here]” to 66468.

All management areas in Carlton County are in the eastern portion of the county; the area in St. Louis County is just north of Meadowlands. Areas across Carlton County will be treated in July. Residents may notice a low-flying airplane as it navigates the treatment areas. The aerial management activities will start as early as 5 a.m. It may take multiple days to complete the first round.

This is the first of two aerial applications of Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) over each area. The second will take place five to 14 days after the first application. Btk is a biological product that is organic certified for food crops. It has no known health effects on humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, bees, and other insects.

The MDA has set up a Report a Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH with the latest details about treatment dates and times. On the morning of the treatments, residents can call the phone number with any questions they may have. Press 0 (zero) to speak to someone.

The MDA offers the following tips to residents in the management area:

The management product has no known health effects on humans, but residents may wish to stay indoors during the management activities and keep windows closed for a half-hour after application.

Residents can cover gardens or turn on sprinklers.

The residue does not cause damage to outdoor surfaces. However, soapy water will remove any residue on outdoor items.

Spongy moths are among America’s most destructive tree pests, having caused millions of dollars in damage to Eastern forests. The moths are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. Oak, poplar, birch, and willow are among their preferred hosts.

Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-6684 or [email protected] with questions regarding spongy moth and the planned treatment.