UPDATE: Aerial treatment to combat invasive moths starting in St. Clair County Thursday
Aerial treatments to suppress spongy moth populations will begin in parts of St. Clair County on Thursday.
Formerly known as the gypsy moth, the invasive pest damages trees and affects outdoor recreational activities and quality of life. The county has contracted with a licensed certified pesticide applicator to provide the treatments where spongy moths have reached outbreak levels, according to a county press release.
Spraying will begin in the early morning hours, with approximately 5,100 acres slated for treatment.
To be able to spray, the average wind speed must be less than 10 miles per hour and relative humidity be more than 50%, the county said. If weather conditions are outside these parameters, spraying will be postponed until conditions improve, most likely a day or two.
The aerial treatment will be distributed by an airplane flying low over the treetops, the county said. Updated maps showing the spay areas can be found at stclaircounty.org/caterpillars.
Btk, a water-based insecticide, will be used for the treatment. The insecticide is used in certified organic food production and has low impact on non-target organisms such as humans, pets, birds, fish and other insect species. Btk will only affect caterpillars that will feeding in the tree canopies at the time of application, the county said.
The treatment is fully funded by the county and there will be no cost for residents.
The county board of commissioners previously approved up to $550,000 for the treatments.
St. Clair County Finance Director Dena Alderdyce said based on estimated acreage, the treatments are projected to cost $502,453.
For more information, call (810) 294-4965 or email gypsymoth@stclaircounty.org.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: St. Clair County to begin aerial spongy moth treatment this week
