The second round of aerial treatments to eradicate gypsy moth from three sites in Porter, LaPorte, and Fulton counties will be completed the week of May 20. The first round of aerial treatments at those sites was completed on Tuesday.

Aerial treatments of a site near Richmond were also completed on Tuesday.

Detailed maps of the treatment sites can be found at gypsymoth.IN.gov. Treatment begins shortly after sunrise but could be delayed until later in the morning or to the next favorable day due to unfavorable weather condition such as morning fog or rain. Treatment should take about an hour.

During treatment, people will see a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops. The airplane distributes a spray containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, referred to as Btk, into the treetops of infested areas where non-native gypsy moth caterpillars feed. It kills gypsy moth caterpillars as they feed on tree leaves by disrupting their digestive systems.

Btk occurs naturally in soil and has been used for decades by organic gardeners with an excellent safety record for people and animals. People who live or work near the treatment area might choose to take common-sense precautions, including staying inside when the plane is flying, and for about 30 minutes after treatment is completed. This gives the material time to settle into and adhere to treetops.

Gypsy moth is one of North America's most devastating invasive forest pests. For more information on gypsy moth, call 1-866-NO-EXOTIC (663-9684) or call the local county extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO (1-888-398-4636).

To determine if your property is in the treatment areas and for more information about gypsy moth, seegypsymoth.IN.gov.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Media contact: Megan Abraham, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, 317-232-4189,mabraham@dnr.IN.gov