Gypsy Moth Spraying Starts Soon Near Redmond, Sammamish

REDMOND, WA — State Department of Agriculture gypsy moth eradication crews will be moving through the Redmond and Sammamish areas beginning on Monday. The treatments began earlier in May, and have been happening around Kitsap, King, and Snohomish counties.

Here's what to expect: a low-flying airplane will cruise over the Union and Novelty Hill areas spraying the insecticide Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki). Btk is a bacteria, and is not believed to be harmful to humans or pets — and it doesn't kill native caterpillars or bees. Gypsy moth caterpillars die after eating Btk off shrubs and leaves.

You can learn more about Btk from Washington State University and the state Department of Agriculture here. Gypsy moths were introduced in the U.S. over 100 years ago from Europe and Asia. The caterpillars can devastate forests and crops, particularly oak trees.

The gypsy moth treatment has been happening in the Crosby area this week. The next treatment coming to the Crosby (Kitsap County), Union Hill, and Novelty Hill areas is Monday beginning at 5 a.m., weather permitting.