SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture last week announced the areas in northern Illinois to be treated for the destructive Gypsy Moth. The aerial applications were to begin on May 14, weather permitting.

The treatments, expected to take two days, were to resume on May 16, weather permitting. Each year, the Department works with the United States Forest Service on a two-pronged approach to treating this destructive pest.

The gypsy moth is a non-native pest that feasts on more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, but its preferred food source is oak leaves. Large populations are capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them vulnerable to secondary insect and disease attacks. Severe defoliation also can cause tree death.

The first round of treatments took place in parts of Kendall, LaSalle, Ogle and Will counties. The treatment area covered roughly 11,000 acres. The infested sites were treated with an application of BtK (Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki), a naturally occurring bacteria used by gardeners as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. This is an aerial application that was spread by low-flying helicopters starting in the early morning hours. The state noted that BtK has an excellent safety record and is not harmful to mammals or vertebrates. A second application will be applied within the following two-weeks.

Other locations, which again include LaSalle County, will receive a pheromone application in late June. The pheromone, Splat GM-Organic, serves as a sexual attractant that confuses male gypsy moths and prevents them from breeding. This will also be an aerial application. The product used is an organic, biodegradable material made entirely of food grade materials that does not impact other insects, mammals, vertebrates or the environment.

Maps of the treatment sites are posted on the department’s website at www.agr.state.il.us.

Unlike the emerald ash borer, which feeds exclusively on ash trees, the gypsy moth is not a picky eater. It will devour almost anything leafy and green, as it feeds on over 250 species of plants, however it especially prefers oak and willow trees. Male gypsy moths are brown with black markings and have a wingspan of an inch-and-a-half. Female gypsy moths are slightly larger and typically white or cream-colored. The females cannot fly because of the weight of their eggs.

Currently, eight Illinois counties - Kendall, Kane, LaSalle, Will, Cook, DuPage, Lake and McHenry - are under quarantine orders by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. All nursery and lumber products must be inspected or certified before they can be transported. In addition, residents of these counties must personally inspect vehicles, tents, outdoor lawn furniture, bicycles and other outdoor items for gypsy moth egg masses, live moths and caterpillars before taking them out of the quarantine zone. Anyone convicted of illegally removing prohibited items from the quarantine area may be fined up to $500 and the items themselves must be either immediately removed from the non-infested area or immediately destroyed.

Anyone with questions regarding the gypsy moth treatment schedule or the quarantine order are urged to contact the Department of Agriculture’s DeKalb field office at (815) 787-5476.