Aerial Spraying To Take Place in Southwest Wisconsin

Aerial spraying of an invasive moth species will begin later this month in Southwest Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection plans to treat 10 areas in western Wisconsin in mid- to late May for spongy moth caterpillars. The invasive insect defoliates trees, leading to tree stress or death. A report says Crawford, Grant and Lafayette counties are included in spraying areas. The spraying is conducted by yellow, low-flying planes. Spraying begins as early as 5 a.m. and usually concludes in the early afternoon. The planes will spread a naturally occurring soil bacteria that kills the caterpillars. The bacteria isn’t harmful to people, pets, bees or other animals, though people with severe allergies might want to remain indoors during spraying.