Western Wisconsin Spongy Moth Flights to Continue Through July

AMERY, Wis (WLAK / WSCM) – Western Wisconsin residents will see Spongy Moth treatment flights in July as officials seek to stop the invasive insects from reproducing.

According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the treatment aims to disrupt the mating season of the invasive species.

The treatment is a pheromone that will make it more difficult for male moths to find females in the area. Unlike the bacteria sprayed throughout the region over the past few weeks, this treatment will not actually harm Spongy Moths at all. It is also not harmful to people, bees, pets, and other animals.

Through the end of July, Western Wisconsin residents will see small yellow planes flying low and spraying the treatment around the region. The planes will target select areas in Barron, Buffalo, Dunn, Grant, Lafayette, Polk and St. Croix Counties. Over the past few weeks, the DATCP has also placed Spongy Moth traps throughout Western Wisconsin to track the spread of the invasive species.

State officials are advising residents that they will not be able to give much advanced warning of when and where the flights will take place. The spread of the invasive insects and weather conditions will determine the exact timing of the treatments. Flights could also begin as early as sunrise in some areas.

Residents can also help state officials halt the spread of the Spongy Moths. Like other invasive species in the area, transporting firewood to different areas of the state is one of the most common ways Spongy Moth egg masses spread. The Department of Natural Resources urges residents to only use locally sourced firewood to help prevent that spread.