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In an effort to protect wildlife habitat, the Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to spray over 123,000 acres of state game lands this spring to control a non-native invasive insect, the spongy moth.
Spraying is planned on 46 different state game lands - 123,276 acres in all - and will begin as soon as leaf-out occurs and spongy moth egg masses hatch, likely in late April and May.
"Those participating in spring gobbler seasons or otherwise enjoying state game lands may encounter aircraft spraying forested areas for spongy moths," said Paul Weiss, Game Commission Chief Forester. "We recognize some hunters might be temporarily affected by these activities, but disturbances are brief and only temporary, and by protecting these valuable habitats against a destructive, invasive pest, the forests will provide hunters the opportunity to chase gobblers there for generations to come."
No spraying will be scheduled the mornings of youth turkey season - Saturday, April 27 - or the opening day of spring gobbler season - Saturday, May 4.
Spongy moths previously were known by the common name gypsy moth, but the Entomological Society of America changed the name. More information on spongy moths and the Game Commission's spraying program, including a map updating the status of spraying is available on an interactive web page at www.pgc.pa.gov.
Most of the blocks of forest to be sprayed can be treated within one day, often within only a few hours.
The insecticide to be used is Mimic 2LV. Its active ingredient is tebufenozide.
This agent generally is considered safe to humans. Most negative side effects happen with repeated, long-term exposure to high concentrations of the product. As with any chemical, it may cause eye or skin irritation if exposed, and it is recommended to wash any affected area if irritation occurs.
The forests to be treated in the coming weeks have building populations of spongy moths that, if left untreated, could cause severe defoliation this summer.
"Many of these areas were hit with a late frost last spring, Weiss said. "This additional stress on the trees makes it especially important to protect them this year."