Gypsy moth spraying takes place in neighboring county
A gypsy moth caterpillar crawls up a tree. This invasive species destroys trees and sheds spiny skins that irritate the eyes and respiratory tracks of humans. (Wisconsin DNR photo)
Gypsy moths have been found in one of Sauk County’s neighbors and spraying will happen this month.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced that Vernon County is among those that will be sprayed. Other affected counties include Crawford, Douglas, Dunn, Grant, Iowa, La Crosse, Rusk and Trempealeau.
Treatments will end in mid-July in northwestern Wisconsin.
Yellow planes contracted by the U.S. Forest Service will apply an organic, biodegradable mating disruptor. The spray targets adult male moths to discourage reproduction. The pheromone is no risk to humans; adverse effects have not been reported in the 20 years that spraying has occurred.
Gypsy moths are an invasive species that causes significant damage to trees. Caterpillars alone shed bristly skin, which goes airborne and irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory system of humans.
