Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is set to conduct aerial management in Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties to curb the spread of the spongy moth. The operation is scheduled for July 1-3, contingent on weather conditions, starting as early as 6:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.

Originally planned for mid-June, the operation was delayed due to federal budget uncertainties. The treatment will cover approximately 28,907 acres across seven sites, including two Minnesota State Parks: Whitewater and Beaver Creek Valley. Maps of these sites are available on the MDA website.

The MDA plans to use a mating disruption method involving a non-toxic waxy substance with pheromones specific to spongy moths. This technique confuses male moths and reduces their ability to find females, leading to fewer caterpillars hatching next year. The application will be carried out by low-flying yellow planes contracted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in collaboration with the MDA. The product poses no harm to humans, animals, birds, or other insects and aims to protect forest health and property values.

To keep residents informed, the MDA has established a Report a Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-6684 for updates on treatment dates and times. Residents can also sign up for text or email notifications regarding treatment progress through an interactive map on the MDA website.

Spongy moths are recognized as one of America's most destructive tree pests, causing significant damage in eastern forests and now posing a threat to Minnesota's trees such as oak, poplar, birch, and willow. Although they spread slowly naturally, human activities like transporting firewood can accelerate their spread.

For more information about spongy moths or the upcoming treatment plan, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-6684 or via email at reportapest@state.mn.us.