Gypsy Moth Open House Planned In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL — The Illinois Department of Agriculture will hold an open house at New Lenox Public Library to explain the proposed gypsy moth treatment plans for northern Illinois. According to the department, the gypsy moth is a non-native pest that feasts on more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, but its preferred food source is oak leaves.

Large populations of gypsy moths are capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them vulnerable to secondary insect and disease attacks. Severe defoliation can also cause tree death, the department said.

The open house at the library will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. March 3.

Infested sites near New Lenox will be treated with mating disruption, a gypsy moth-specific pheromone that acts as a sexual attractant and prevents male gypsy moths from breeding, the department said. The mating disruption product, Splat GM-Organic will be applied by airplane in late June.