Gypsy moth spraying possible today in Douglas County

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Gypsy Moth program may be spraying parts of Douglas County again today, including a portion of Superior.

Spraying could start as early as 6 a.m. and residents should expect to hear and see low-flying aircraft. The spraying was under way Wednesday but may not finish, officials said, requiring more work today. The spraying is necessary to control the spread of gypsy moth, a destructive and invasive pest that feeds on the leaves of oaks, maples, crabapple, birch and many other species of trees and shrubs.

The single-engine airplane will be dropping pheromone flakes designed to confuse male moths and disrupt mating. The flakes are tiny, about the size of a grain of rice, and are flat and green. The pheromone flakes are non-toxic for people and do not kill or harm any gypsy moths or any other insect or animal, including bees or pets.

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