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

Spray aircraft used in spongy moth control. Photo: Bill McNee
At a suitable time between early May and early June, an airplane will spray parts of four DNR properties to reduce the population of spongy moth caterpillars (formerly known as gypsy moth). Treatment dates will depend on weather conditions and caterpillar development.
This year’s high populations threaten to strip trees of their leaves and possibly kill high-value trees at these properties.