Aurora To Be Treated To Lessen Spongy Moth Population

AURORA, IL — Aurora is in the process of being treated to reduce the destructive population of spongy moths, officials said.

The non-native pest, historically called the gypsy moth, is known for stripping plants and trees bare, leaving them susceptible to disease and potential death. The insect is not a picky eater and will consume almost anything leafy and green.

To reduce it, a contractor from the Illinois Department of Agriculture will be flying a helicopter to target the areas around Oakhurst Forest Preserve. The treatment is taking place in two batches: the first happened in the morning on May 16, and the second is planned for May 23, weather permitting.

Crews will use a "safe aerial pesticide" known as Btk, which is a naturally occurring bacterium, found in soil, that contains a substance toxic to certain types of caterpillars and moths. The pesticide is not toxic to people or animals and is safe to use in residential areas, according to city staff.

"It only affects caterpillars when they eat leaves that have Btk on the surface," officials said. "The Illinois Department of Agriculture has used Btk in the greater Chicagoland area since 1980."

Officials are directing residents with questions to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 815-787-5476.