REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture will begin aerial treatments designed to disrupt gypsy moth mating Monday.
The department will treat 13,275 acres in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Wyandot counties.
Airplanes will fly 100 to 200 feet above the tree tops to apply the treatment throughout the day. Weather permitting, the treatments will occur over one or two days.
The application does not kill the moth, but it disrupts the mating process by confusing the male as it searches for a female mate. It is not harmful to birds, plants, pets or humans.
Pre-recorded daily updates about planned treatment blocks are available by calling 614-387-0907 or 800-282-1955, ext. 37, after 5 p.m.
The gypsy moth is a non-native, invasive species that feeds on the leaves of more than 300 different trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak.
