Spongy Moth Aerial Spraying Planned Monday Near Lewis

ROMEOVILLE, IL – Areas near Lewis University in Romeoville will be included in a spongy moth mating disruption treatment by the U.S. Forest Service on Monday. In April, the Illinois Department of Agriculture held six public meetings to allow residents to learn and ask questions about the upcoming treatments, according to a release from the IDOA.

Lymantria dispar, aka Spongy Moth, is a non-native pest that eats more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, but its preferred food source is oak leaves, according to the IDOA. Large populations are capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them vulnerable to secondary insect and disease attacks. Severe defoliation can also cause tree death.

The treatment process is weather-dependent, but spraying is planned throughout Illinois on Monday and Tuesday, the IDOA said. Areas near Lewis University will be included in Monday's spraying.

Several parts of Will, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Winnebago, Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties will be treated, according to a release. 2022 spray project areas can be found online.

The area will receive a pheromone application called Splat GM-Organic. Splat GM-Organic, serves as a sexual attractant that confuses male spongy moths and prevents them from breeding, according to the IDOA.

This is an aerial application with yellow 'Air – tractor' airplanes. The product used is an organic, biodegradable product made entirely of food grade materials. It is not harmful to humans or pets, the IDOA said.