REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Aerial treatments designed to slow the spread and suppress the gypsy moth have begun in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit, Wayne and Ashland counties, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture
Treatment blocks
Treatment blocks include 142 acres in Ashtabula County, 219 acres in Cuyahoga County, 49 acres in Lorain County, 527 acres in Summit County, 56 acres in Wayne County and 57 acres in Ashland County.
Treatments are administered using a low-flying aircraft that flies just above tree tops and coincide with the insect’s first and second caterpillar stages.
Ohioans are most likely to notice these treatments occur during early morning hours when weather conditions are ideal.
Crucial elements
In order for successful application, the following elements are crucial: high humidity, low temperature and low wind.
In Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit and Ashland counties the department will be using Foray (Btk), which is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the soil that interferes with the caterpillars’ feeding cycles.
In Ashtabula and Wayne counties, the department will use Dimilin, which is an insecticide that attacks gypsy moth larvae.
Not toxic
These treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish.
Citizens can locate maps of treatment blocks by visiting www.agri.ohio.gov and clicking on “Gypsy Moth Program” located under the “Featured Programs” section.
Ohioans can receive daily updates regarding treatment progression throughout the state by calling 614-387-0907 any time after 5 p.m.
More information
For more information visit www.agri.ohio.gov.
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