The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be conducting nontoxic aerial agricultural applications to treat for gypsy moths in the LaSalle and Putnam County areas.
The department is treating 25,000 acres across an area encompassing LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Utica, Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park and the surrounding region with pheromone flakes, which the state says will disrupt the mating cycle of the moths.
Pending compatible weather conditions, the spraying—which is safe for humans and animals, as well as fish, birds, and most insects including honeybees and ladybugs —is tentatively slated for 7 a.m. Saturday and Monday; however, it could begin on Friday.
Successful execution depends on atmospheric conditions such as wind and rain.
The moths are capable of stripping trees and shrubs bare. Because the female moth cannot fly, she typically lays her eggs near where she hatched on objects including campers, grills or backpacks. When the items are moved, the eggs ride along like a nomadic “gypsy”—hence the name and the species proliferation.
For updates or questions, citizens are encouraged to call the department at 815-787-5476. Additionally, maps of the treatment areas are accessible on the department’s website at www.agr.state.il.us.
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