Oswego May Soon Be Receiving Gypsy Moth Spraying

Those Gypsy Moths are at it again.

The insect, not native to the area, are destructive, eating over 500 different types of plants and trees. They are fond of oak, often used in patios, decks and fences.

To combat their population growth, the Illinois Agriculture Department will be overseeing a spray treatment in the coming weeks.

Scott Schirmer of the Illinois Agriculture Department said they would be doing a Btk spray treatment of the Oswego area, most notably along Route 25 by the Fox River (see map).

"It's a small area we feel we can take care of the population," said Schirmer. He added that the results from 2012's spraying in 2011 showed that the treatment was effective. "So we're gong to be doing the same thing this year."

The treatment involves spraying the organic Btk from a helicopter to cover the affected area.

"Weather is always an issue. Drift is possible," said Schirmer. The Btk chemical natrually occurs in the soil and is not harmful to humans, but Williams said they still advise people to stay inside during the spraying.

Nancy Willams of the Illinois Agriculture Department said spraying occurs in the early morning, around 5 a.m. "We normally go out at first light."

Right now Schirmer said the treatment dates are "a guessing game" as they await the right weather conditions. "We will let you know when we expect it to happen," he said.

There will be a total of two treatments, spread out between 7 - 10 days. 

Montgomery and the Fox Valley area will also be receiving the Gyspy Moth treatment.