ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to treat a portion of Richfield and Minneapolis to eradicate gypsy moth infestations detected in the area last fall. Officials will conduct the treatments starting sometime between May 1 and May 15, with the exact date determined by weather conditions and caterpillar development.
In 2016, MDA’s trapping program found an infestation in the northwest corner of Richfield. To eradicate the moths before they spread, officials will conduct two aerial applications of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) over the same area, spaced 7-10 days apart. Btk is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved bacterium with very low risk for humans or animals other than caterpillars. Btk is widely used within the organic gardening community. Over the years, MDA has eradicated gypsy moth infestations on thousands of acres across the state using this method. These efforts protect forest health, property values and the state’s tourism industry.
Gypsy moths are among America’s most destructive tree pests, having caused millions of dollars in damage to Eastern forests. The moths are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest. Oak, poplar, birch and willow are among their preferred hosts. The moths spread slowly on their own, but people can unintentionally help them spread by transporting firewood or other items on which the moths have laid their eggs.
To help area citizens stay informed, the MDA has set up an Arrest the Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH. The info line will offer the latest details about treatment dates and times. MDA’s website (www.mda.state.mn.us/gypsymoth
- For the moth treatment to work, it must begin early in the morning. Treatments may begin as early as 5:30 a.m. Residents may be awakened on that day by the noise of the low-flying helicopter. MDA apologizes for any inconvenience;
- The treatment product has no known health effects for humans, but to avoid it residents may wish to stay indoors during the treatment and keep windows closed for a half hour after application; and,
- The residue does not cause damage to outdoor surfaces. However, soapy water will remove any residue on outdoor items.
Details of treatment area:
The area runs from West 61st Street in Minneapolis on the north to West 67th Street in Richfield on the south, and Washburn Avenue South on the west to Logan Avenue South on the east. (SEE MAP) Details of the area can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/
— Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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