Gypsy moth spraying set for Wednesday
BELOIT — If the weather cooperates, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will spray for gypsy moths Wednesday morning in Beloit.
But work likely will be done before most people get out of bed, said Colleen Robinson Klug, public information officer for the department’s gypsy moth suppression program.
The DNR plans to spray a 3-square-mile area that includes downtown Beloit and another, smaller area that includes Big Hill Park north of the city in Beloit Township.
The spraying schedule changes daily based on weather patterns as well as insect and leaf development, Robinson Klug said.
Spraying will start at dawn, weather permitting, and should only take a couple hours, she said.
Gypsy moths are native to Europe and Asia, the DNR website states. The caterpillars feed on as many as 500 species of trees and shrubs and prefer oak trees. The caterpillars can strip trees and shrubs of their leaves. That makes the plants more susceptible to disease, other pests and extreme weather conditions.
TO LEARN MORE
To get updated gypsy moth spraying schedules, call 1-800-642-MOTH (6684) or visit gypsymoth.wi.gov to get on an e-mail list. Robinson Klug said she updates both information sources as soon as she gets new information.
Also at gypsymoth.wi.gov, find frequently asked questions, descriptions of the moth, and moth-control tips for property owners.
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May 5, 2010 at 12:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
DNR,and others...We have a severe infestations along the Hwy 51,corridor,and out into many country roads.For years I have been cutting down the tell-tale webs along our roads,and surely others can do their share.I use a branch-pruner,a sharp hand snippers,and a 2-Gal. sprayer.I tear open the webbing,cut up the branches and spray with dble. strength water mixed with dish soap,and a teaspoon of veg. oil per two gallons.Preferring this to a chemical spray.Folks,kids,teens,school children,this is a serious problem to us,to nature.For now these caterpillars eat mostly tree leaves,soon it may be garden stuffs.Remember,each tree they kill means less oxygen for Mother Nature,and you.I challenge everyone to find,cut down,and destroy 10webs each.Those that have the equipment maybe you can hit some higher branches.Thanks much..Wishes...
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