Press release

Aerial Btk treatments conducted by the Indiana DNR’s Forestry, Entomology, and Plant Pathology Divisions to slow the spread of gypsy moth – now called gypsy moth – are complete for 2022.

The gypsy moth is one of North America’s most devastating invasive forest pests and has caused thousands of acres of defoliation in the eastern United States.

Treatments for this destructive pest will resume in June when mating disruption treatments using SPLAT GM-Organic are scheduled in Allen, Fulton, Huntington, Kosciusko, Marshall, Miami, Porter, Pulaski, Starke, Wabash and Wells.

Treatment begins shortly after sunrise but may be delayed until later in the morning or the next day due to adverse weather conditions such as morning fog or rain. The duration of treatment will vary depending on the size of the treatment site.

A yellow plane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops will carry out the treatments. This will begin at sunrise and continue throughout the scheduled day, depending on weather conditions and flight schedules. When the weather is favorable, treatments can be completed by late morning or early afternoon.

SPLAT GM-Organic is a food grade biodegradable material infused with female pheromone to attract and confuse male moths so mating does not occur. This material does not affect any insects other than the gypsy moth.

Once the treatment has started, rain or high winds may interrupt it for that day. If this occurs, treatment will resume on the next appropriate day and continue until all sites have been treated.

Updates will be posted on Twitter @INdnrinvasive. MNR will also issue press releases to update the status.

To determine if your property is within the treatment areas or to view maps of all treatment locations, or for more information, see gypsymoth.IN.gov.