Aerial spraying this week in Richland County is the latest place the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is targeting the Gypsy Moth. In the early morning hours, typically 5 am, the agriculture department sends out yellow planes that fly low and spray in the areas where gypsy moth are likely to be found. Nkauj Vang, spokeswoman for the State Department of Agriculture their pesticide is safe for animals and humans. She says as a caterpillar the invasive pest can defoliate trees causing a destructive element to the forests
These efforts are part of a larger federal program. DATCP normally focuses on the western part of Wisconsin and the state DNR has its spraying program that handles the eastern part of the state.
More information about where spraying may occur can be found online at gypsymoth.dot.wi.gov or by calling 1 800 642 MOTH (6684).
