MDA to conduct treatment for Spongy Moth in Carlton and St. Louis Counties

Residents may notice a low-flying airplane during the week of June 10 if conditions allow. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be treating six areas in Carlton County and one in St. Louis County to manage spongy moth infestations detected in these areas last fall. MDA says the aerial management activities will start as early as 5 a.m. and could take multiple days to complete.

According to MDA officials the first of two rounds of treatment will be conducted however the exact date depends heavily on weather conditions and insect development. The treatment area includes the eastern portion of Carlton County as well as the area in St. Louis County just north of Meadowlands.

According to MDA, this is the first of two aerial applications of Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) over each area. The second will take place 5-14 days after the first application. Btk is a biological product that is organic-certified for food crops. It has no known health effects for humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, bees, and other insects.

Residents are asked to sign up for text or email notifications for the most up-to-date information on these activities, by texting “MNMDA Treatments” to 66468. If you would like to receive an email notification text “MNMDA Treatments [your email address here]” to 66468. You can also sign up online. Exact locations can be found via maps on the MDA website or an interactive map that is searchable by address.

According to MDA, the spongy moth is one of America’s most destructive tree pests. The moths are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can clear 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 a Report a Pest information line at 1-888-545-MOTH (6684). The hotline will offer the latest details about treatment dates and times.