(Indianapolis, IN) - Aerial spraying to slow the spread of gypsy moth wrapped up yesterday in La Porte County.

 

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, spraying was also completed yesterday in Noble County and will continue next week in Marshall County.

 

The gypsy moth, now called 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.

Spraying occurs from a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops. Favorable weather allows spraying to be completed in targeted areas often by late morning or early afternoon, DNR officials said.

 

According to DNR, the airplane distributes a spray into the treetops of infested areas where gypsy moth caterpillars feed on tree leaves. The active ingredient in the spray kills gypsy moth caterpillars by disrupting their digestive systems after they ingest it.

To determine if your property is in the treatment areas or to view maps of all treatment locations and for more information about gypsy moth, see gypsymoth.IN.gov.