Spongy moth. Photo courtesy of Indiana DNR.

News Release

WHITLEY COUNTY — Aerial mating disruption treatments conducted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources divisions of Forestry and Entomology and Plant Pathology to slow the spread of spongy moth are planned for the week of June 17.

Spongy moth is one of North America’s most devastating invasive forest pests and has caused thousands of acres of defoliation across the eastern United States.

Treatments for this destructive pest using SPLAT GM-Organic are planned in Allen, Huntington, Whitley, Starke and Wayne counties and may take several days to complete.

Treatment begins shortly after sunrise but could be delayed until later in the morning or the next day due to unfavorable weather conditions such as morning fog or rain. Treatment time will vary depending on the size of the treatment site. A yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops will conduct the treatments, starting at sunrise and continuing throughout the scheduled day, as the weather and flight schedules permit. With favorable weather, treatments may be completed by late morning or early afternoon.

SPLAT GM-Organic is a biodegradable, food grade material infused with the female moths’ pheromone to attract and confuse the male moths so that mating does not take place. This material does not affect people, animals, plants, or any insects other than spongy moth.

Once treatment begins, rain or high wind may interrupt it for that day. If that happens, treatment will resume the next suitable day and continue until all sites have been treated.