Friday, May 21, 2010

Time To Begin Gypsy Moth Control Spraying

The City of Crystal Lake, in cooperation with McHenry County will begin gypsy moth control efforts throughout the City beginning May 24.

Gypsy moth infested sites will be treated by helicopter with an application of Btk, a naturally occurring bacteria used by gardeners as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. A follow-up application will occur 7-10 days after the initial application. Actual application dates and times are subject to weather conditions.

The gypsy moth is a non-native leaf-eating insect that feasts on plants and shrubs. Gypsy moths are among the most destructive forest and landscape pests in the United States. In large populations, it is capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them vulnerable to secondary insect and disease attacks. Oak trees are the most vulnerable to gypsy moth devastation, but the caterpillars will feed on up to 500 other types of trees and shrubs if oak leaves are scarce.

Additional information regarding the gypsy moth control is available at the City's website. Residents with questions regarding the program are asked to contact the city's Streets Division at (815) 459-2020, extension 4019.

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