Geneva To Be Organically Treated To Lessen Spongy Moth Population

GENEVA, IL — Geneva is one of 11 northern Illinois towns that will be organically treated in June to lessen the destructive spongy moth population, officials announced Tuesday.

A contractor from the Illinois Department of Agriculture will be flying airplanes at 7 a.m. June 21 or June 22, weather permitting, to target the areas around Fabyan Forest Preserve and Settler's Hill Golf Course east of the Fox River — this includes a portion of a residential area, as well.

The process is expected to take an hour, officials said.

The low-flying, yellow airplanes — they will be loud, city staff warned — will use a substance made of vegetable oil and wax. According to the Department of Agriculture, no pesticides will be used, and there is no threat to residents.

The application does not kill spongy moth but rather acts as a deterrent for breeding. The non-native pest, historically known as 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.

A representative from the Department of Agriculture will come to the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St., from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 to answer questions at an informal open house. Those who cannot attend the session should contact Nancy Johnson, an Illinois spongy moth program manager, at 815-787-5476 or nancy.johnson@illinois.gov with questions.

The federal government's spongy moth suppression program will begin this spring in North Carolina and move northeast into Minnesota by summer.