Gypsy moth treatment continues Wednesday

Posted on June 19, 2017
The gypsy moth is not native to Illinois and damages plants. (Photo Facebook/GypsyMothIllinois)

By Cynthia Grau

PONTIAC – Phase two of treatment to control gypsy moths will begin Wednesday morning, including portions of the listening area.

The area will be dusted via plane with a product called Splat-o, which is an organic and biodegradable alternative to chemical pesticides. This treatment will prevent the invasive moth from breeding.

There will be 7,500 acres treated in the Fairbury/Forrest area, 5,000 in the Pontiac area and 11,500 in the Streator area. Other areas include Byron, Freeport, Hanover, Loran and Waterman.

The gypsy moth is a non-native pest and is capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them susceptible to diseases and environmental stressors, with severe defoliation causing tree death.

The treatment will not impact other insects, mammals or the environment.

For more information, visit facebook.com/gypsymothillinois.

Cynthia Grau can be reached at [email protected].

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