WI, MN fight against gypsy moths - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

WI, MN fight against gypsy moths

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DULUTH, Minn. (WKOW) -- Agricultural officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin are preparing their largest "air war" ever to protect forests from gypsy moths.

Infestations in the region last year are forcing experts in both states to expand aerial spraying to keep the leaf-eating, tree-killing gypsy moth caterpillars in check.

Planes will spray a natural soil bacterium that kills the caterpillars in June. In July, they will drop synthetic hormone flakes to confuse male moths so they are unable to mate.

Lucia Hunt, a gypsy moth expert for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, tells the Duluth News Tribune there is little hope of ultimate victory, but any delay may help scientists look for a long term solution.

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