Story originally printed in the Tomah Journal or online at www.tomahjournal.com

Published - Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Low-flying aircraft: Gypsy moth dusting continues

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture again will have crop-dusting planes spraying in the area today for gypsy moths.

Starting about 5 a.m., weather permitting, the yellow planes will fly about 50 feet above the trees at four sites in Monroe County and one in Jackson.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection plans to spray more than 90,000 acres in the western part of the state this year as part of an ongoing campaign to stop the westward spread of the gypsy moth. The invasive species feeds on the leaves of oaks, maples, birch and other trees and shrubs.

The planes will spray the pesticide Foray 48B, which the state claims is not harmful to people or animals. It is approved for use in certified organic production by the Organic Materials Review Institute. The Department of Natural Resources advises it can cause eye irritation and suggests avoiding direct contact.

To see a map of the sites, visit http://www.gypsymoth.wi.gov/ or call 1-800-642-6684 for a recorded message.

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