Gypsy moth treatments begin May 3

4/9/2004

SWANTON - Gypsy moth suppression treatments - applied by planes flying just above treetop level - will start the week of May 3 on 325 acres near Swanton in Lucas County, on 325 acres near Columbus Grove in Putnam County, and on 1,100 acres near Oakwood in Paulding County.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture typically applies treatments of the organic compound, which is not toxic to humans or pets, early in the morning, but they may occur in the early evening.

Across the state, the department plans to treat 2,842 acres with the compound.

The department plans to treat more land than ever before - 80,000 acres - in June with a material that disrupts mating among gypsy moths.

Costs are shared between the U.S. Forest Service and the state agriculture department. Maps of treatment areas are to be on the agriculture department's Web site at www.ohioagriculture.gov and available at county extension offices.