Pests

Aerial Spraying Coming To Four State Properties

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Oshkosh
bill.mcnee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942

Spray aircraft used in spongy moth control

Spray aircraft used in spongy moth control. Photo: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking action in the coming weeks in its battle against spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) caterpillars.

An airplane will spray parts of four DNR properties to reduce the population of the hungry pest.

This year, high numbers of spongy moths threaten to strip trees of their leaves and may even kill high-value trees at these properties.

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Emerald Ash Borer Found In Vilas County

Posted on by akabelowsky
Adult emerald ash borer beetle.

Adult emerald ash borer beetle. Photo: Wisconsin DNR.

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Vilas County has the dubious distinction of becoming the first new Wisconsin county in 2023 to have a discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB).

EAB continues to spread into areas of northern Wisconsin. The first Vilas County detection was in the town of Lincoln. Additional infested trees have since been found in the town of Cloverland and the city of Eagle River. Continue reading “Emerald Ash Borer Found In Vilas County” →

USDA Seeks Donations Of Infested Ash Trees

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Kyle Loughlin, Field Team Lead, USDA-APHIS
kyle.m.loughlin@usda.govor 734-732-0025

A window cut into a tree’s bark shows signs of emerald ash borer infestation.

USDA staff cut a ‘bark window’ in green ash to uncover signs of emerald ash borer. Photo: US Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking Wisconsin landowners for help in the battle against emerald ash borer (EAB).

EAB is an invasive insect from Asia that was first introduced into the United States in 2002. Since its discovery, EAB has caused the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees.

The USDA is asking Wisconsin landowners to donate live ash trees infested with EAB to support USDA’s biological control program. The staff will use the wood to rear EAB’s natural enemies, which will then be released in Wisconsin and 31 other EAB-infested states and Washington, D.C.

Continue reading “USDA Seeks Donations Of Infested Ash Trees” →