INDIANAPOLIS — The first treatment to slow the spread of gypsy moths at one site each in Kosciusko, LaPorte, St. Joseph and Whitley counties was completed by 8 a.m. this morning.

The second treatment for the sites is planned for Tuesday, May 17, weather permitting. If weather does not allow for treatment on Tuesday, it will occur on Wednesday or the next day that weather allows for treatment.

Low wind speeds, which usually occur early morning after sunrise, and no rain for six to 24 hours after treatment are needed to allow treatment to occur.

During treatments, people may see a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops.

The second treatment will likely start between 5:30-6 a.m. and should end between 8-8:30 a.m. The times may change depending on weather conditions. If delays occur, they will be announced on the Gypsy Moth Twitter site – https://twitter.com/INdnrinvasive and by news release.

Detailed maps of the treatment sites are at gypsymoth.IN.gov. The site names are LaPorte, Pierceton, Lakeville and Lorane.

The airplanes distribute a spray containing the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, often referred to as Btk, into the treetops of infested areas where gypsy moth caterpillars feed. Btk occurs naturally in soil. Btk kills gypsy moth caterpillars as they feed on tree leaves by disrupting their digestive systems.

Btk has been used for decades by organic gardeners and has an excellent safety record with people and animals. People who live or work near the treatment areas might choose to take common-sense precautions, including staying inside when the planes are flying, and for about 30 minutes after treatments are complete. This gives the material time to settle out of the air and adhere to treetops.

Additional treatments to slow the spread of gypsy moth are planned for mid- to late June in Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and Starke counties.

For more information, call (866) 663-9684 or call the local county extension office at (888) 398-4636.

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

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