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Wisconsin
Spongy Moth Program |
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Spongy Moth Aerial Treatment Update
Spongy moth hotline: (800) 642-6684
Email: spong...@wisconsin.gov
Treatment is planned in Barron, Dunn, and Washburn counties on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to reduce spread and negative effects of spongy moth (Lymantria dispar).
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Spongy moth is an invasive insect that feeds on the leaves of oaks, maples, aspen, apple, birch, and many other species of trees and shrubs. These caterpillars eat so many leaves that the trees and shrubs they feed on are left vulnerable to disease and other environmental stressors. Their allergenic hairs can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation when handled or in close contact with humans. Aerial treatment is necessary to slow the spread of spongy moths—and their negative impacts— as they advance westward.
Planes will apply SPLAT GM-O, an organic, biodegradable mating disruptor containing spongy moth pheromone. This product does not kill moths. Instead, it naturally releases the scent of the female spongy moth, making it difficult for males to find a mate to reproduce. This scent is not perceptible or harmful to humans, animals, birds, or other insects and has been safely used for over two decades for spongy moth control.
Weather permitting, state agencies will be conducting aerial treatments in select areas in the following counties on Wednesday, July 8, 2026:
- Barron County
- Dunn County
- Washburn County
Treatment will begin as early as sunrise and continue as weather conditions allow or until application is complete. People who have allergies may wish to stay indoors or leave the area until treatment is done. The yellow planes are loud and will fly low, just above the tree canopy, which may frighten pets or livestock. Those with animals may use their discretion to reduce stress by keeping them indoors or monitoring their behavior during aerial treatments.
Maps of treatment areas and plan updates are available at smaerialspray.wi.gov. Treatment plan updates are also available on social media through Facebook, Instagram, and X; and through pre-recorded messages on the Spongy Moth Hotline at 800-642-6684, option 1.
NOTE: The State of Wisconsin does not offer state-sponsored aerial treatments or a cost sharing program to suppress established populations of spongy moth. To learn more about spongy moth management, visit the Wisconsin Spongy Moth Resource Center at spongymoth.wi.gov.
More information about Wisconsin's Spongy Moth Program:
https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/SpongyMoth.aspx
Division of Agricultural Resource Management | Bureau of Plant Industry
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