Spongy moth aerial Btk treatments to begin soon

Aerial treatments conducted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) divisions of Forestry and Entomology & Plant Pathology to slow the spread of Lymantriadispar, now called spongy moth, in selected areas of Adams and Wabash counties could begin the week of May 5, if the weather allows.

Spongy moth is one of North America's most devastating invasive forest pests and has caused thousands of acres of defoliation across the eastern United States.

Treatment begins shortly after sunrise but could be delayed until later in the morning or to the next day due to unfavorable weather conditions such as morning fog or rain.

During treatment, a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops will conduct the treatment, starting at sunrise and continuing throughout the day, as the weather and flight schedules permit. With favorable weather, treatments may be completed by late morning or early afternoon.

The airplane distributes a spray containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, referred to as Btk. Btk which is sprayed into the treetops of infested areas where spongy moth caterpillars feed on tree leaves. Btk kills spongy moth caterpillars by disrupting their digestive systems after they ingest it. Btk has been used for decades by gardeners and does not adversely affect people or animals.

People who live or work near the treatment areas might want to stay inside when the planes are flying and for about 30 minutes after treatments are complete. This gives the material time to settle out of the air and stick to treetops. For more information on Btk, call toll-free at 1-866-NO-EXOTIC (663-9684) or call your county extension office.

If the weather cools and slows the emergence of the caterpillars, the treatment application could be delayed until the following week. Updates will be posted on X (formerly Twitter) @INdnrinvasive. DNR will also issue news releases to update the status.

Once treatment begins, rain or high wind may interrupt it for that day. If that happens, treatment will resume the next suitable day and continue until all sites have been treated.

To determine if your property is in the treatment areas or to view maps of all treatment locations, or for more information about spongy moth, see on.IN.gov/spongymoth.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.