DNR To Discuss Gypsy Moth Treatments
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Public meetings regarding gypsy moth treatments proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, will take place Tuesday, Feb.2, through Thursday, Feb.11.
The treatments are set to take place in areas of St. Joseph, Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall and Starke counties this spring. Topics will include the presence of the invasive gypsy moth, problems associated with infestations and methods for dealing with the insect will be discussed.
Meeting locations and times follow:
- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Atwood Community Building, Atwood; sites to be discussed: Pierceton and Atwood
- 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Argos Public Library, Argos; sites to be discussed: Fulton and Marshall Counties
- 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center, Donaldson; sites to be discussed; Marshall and Starke Counties
- 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Pierceton Community Building, Pierceton; sites to be discussed: Pierceton and Atwood
While open to anyone, the meetings will be geared toward residents of the sites listed above, which have been identified as having infestations. Maps of infested areas can be viewed here.
At the meetings, personnel from the DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology will propose options for treatment. They will also welcome questions and comments.
Written comments may be submitted to: Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Gypsy Moth, Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 402 W. Washington St., Room W290, Indianapolis, IN, 46204 or emailed to [email protected].
Comments may be submitted through Friday, March 11.
Treatment options to be discussed at the meetings include:
- Taking no action,
- Mass trapping to prevent breeding
- Biological control (aerial application of a bacteria to eliminate larvae)
- Mating disruption (aerial application of the gypsy moth mating pheromone)
- Integrated pest management (combined use of the above options)
Those unable to attend one of the public meetings may view a PowerPoint presentation, a series of question-and-answer documents and maps of the exact sites of concern and further information here.