Apr. 27, 2009

Gypsy Moth Control Spray Schedule For Oak Hill Subdivision

Gypsy Moth Spray Control Schedule For Oak Hill Subdivision   The Lisle Park District, in conjunction with the Village of Lisle and the homeowners in the Oak Hill Subdivision, will be conducting an aerial pesticide application for control of a gypsy moth infestation in the oak trees in the subdivision.  Two applications will be aerial sprayed by the Hendrickson Flying Service out of Rochelle, IL between May 16 and June 16, 2009.  

Gypsy moths attack mature oak trees, where they lay their eggs and hatch between the dates noted above.  They then stay in the trees and eat the leaves as a source of food, which then can lead to significant damage to a healthy stand of trees if left untreated. This area of Lisle was treated in the spring of 2007 by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  It helped reduce the population but did not reduce it to a manageable level.  The area being treated is approximately 140 acres in size.  

The pesticide being sprayed is Foray 76B, which is specifically developed and marketed for the control of gypsy moths. It is harmless to anything except moths and butterflies.  It is a bacteria formulation, not a poison that is sprayed into the tree canopy. As the larvae hatch and begin to eat, it disrupts their digestive system which causes them to stop eating, eventually leading to starvation.  It is sprayed in a very fine mist, of which very little makes it to the ground.  People and pets do not have to be indoors or take any special precautions prior to or after the application, but you may want to stay indoors during the spray.  If any of the mist gets on your skin, the surface of your cars, windows, the side of your house, etc., it should just be washed off with a mild detergent and water.  

This application should significantly alter the level of the gypsy moth infestation to a manageable level.  It will not completely eradicate the moth, but should allow for spot treatments to only a few trees in the coming years.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Aaron Cerutti, Superintendent of Parks and Facilities for Lisle Park District at 630-353-4381.