ST. LOUIS COUNTY — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is treating six sites in central and northern St. Louis County to slow the spread of spongy moth.
The aerial treatments began Thursday, July 11, and will take several days.
Treatments will take place in the cities of Hibbing, Mountain Iron and Virginia and three rural areas in the county. Aircraft may start as early as 6:30 a.m. and be visible for several hours while the treatment is applied.
Loud, low-flying yellow aircraft will fly over the treatment block, making sequential passes.
Residents can look up their address on an interactive map at the agriculture department’s website to determine if they are within any of these blocks. More details on spongy moth treatment days can be found on the ag department's website.
Spongy moths are among America's most destructive tree pests and are now threatening Minnesota.
If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest.
The state will use a method of mating disruption to treat against the moths. This involves the aerial application of an organically certified, waxy, food-grade substance. The substance contains pheromones specific to spongy moths that confuse the male moths and make it difficult for them to find females.
The agriculture department said the product is not harmful to humans, animals, birds or other insects.
If you see a spongy moth, the state encourages you to call the Report a Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH.
Funding for this environmental story was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
