Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is set to implement aerial management across 24 sites in Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine, and St. Louis counties. The initiative aims to curb the spread of the spongy moth, an invasive pest known for its destructive impact on forests. The aerial activities are scheduled for July 16-22, with operations starting as early as 6:30 a.m., weather permitting.

The total area covered by these sites spans approximately 83,760 acres. Residents can access a map on the MDA website to check if their address falls within these designated areas.

The method employed involves mating disruption through the aerial application of a non-toxic waxy substance containing pheromones specific to spongy moths. This approach confuses male moths and hinders them from locating females, thereby reducing mating success and consequently lowering caterpillar populations in the following year.

This operation will utilize low-flying yellow planes provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in collaboration with the MDA. The applied product poses no harm to humans, animals, birds, or other insects and is intended to safeguard forest health along with property values and tourism interests in Minnesota.

Despite previous delays or cancellations of similar treatments due to federal funding constraints, this particular project will proceed as planned. "Unlike other spongy moth treatments that have been delayed or cut due to federal government funding," states an official release from MDA, "this treatment is able to move forward as scheduled." The department continues monitoring how federal funding decisions affect statewide spongy moth management efforts.

To keep residents informed about ongoing developments, the MDA has established a Report a Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-6684 for updates on aerial management dates and times. On application days, residents can contact this number for inquiries by pressing zero to speak directly with someone. Additionally, comprehensive information about spongy moths and control measures is available on the MDA's website.

Residents interested in receiving real-time updates can sign up for text or email notifications regarding aerial management progress. By clicking on any outlined area on the Spongy Moth Map they wish to monitor, users can follow links provided for signing up for notifications.

Spongy moths rank among America's most harmful tree pests due to their capacity for extensive defoliation of forests if present in large numbers. They particularly target oak, poplar, birch, and willow trees. Although these pests spread slowly without assistance, human activities such as transporting firewood or other egg-laden items inadvertently facilitate their spread into new regions like Minnesota.

For further inquiries related to spongy moths or planned management activities, individuals are encouraged to reach out via phone at 1-888-545-6684 or email reportapest@state.mn.us.