OPEN HOUSES SCHEDULED FOR GYPSY MOTH TREATMENTS

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture will hold three open houses to explain its most recent plan to treat parts of northern Illinois for the destructive gypsy moth.

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.

Infested sites will be treated with applications of either BtK (Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki), a naturally-occurring bacteria used by gardeners as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

The BtK product, Valent Foray 48B - Organic, will be applied by helicopter in mid-May with a second application being done within the following two weeks. It's important to note that BtK has an excellent safety record and is not harmful to people or animals.

Anyone with any questions regarding treatment is encouraged to attend an open house where any and all questions will be answered.  Presentations are scheduled as follows to discuss and answer any questions about treatments in the surrounding areas.

Maps of the treatment sites are posted on the departments website.