The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in collaboration with federal partners, has identified 16 areas in Aitkin, Carlton, Pine, and St. Louis counties that need to be managed to slow the spread of spongy moth in Minnesota.
What is spongy moth?
Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) is an invasive insect that is a significant threat to the economy, environment, and human health. Spongy moth has caused billions of dollars in property damage and defoliated millions of acres of forest. Spongy moth caterpillars can feed on over 300 tree species, including some of Minnesota’s most common trees.
How is spongy moth proposed to be managed in these counties?
The proposal is to use a mating disruption product, SPLAT GM-O (Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology Gypsy Moth-Organic). This is a pheromone that stops male moths from finding females, preventing mating. It is applied via low flying aircraft to the tree canopies. Applications could happen early in the mornings, with planes often flying in the area for several hours.
SPLAT GM-O is harmless to humans and animals. All the ingredients in SPLAT GM-O are listed by the EPA as safe.
What areas of the counties are proposed for management?
County | Area Name | Acres |
AITKIN/CARLTON | HAUGEN | 5,514 (5,398 acres in Aitkin County) |
AITKIN | MCGREGOR | 59 |
AITKIN/CARLTON | WRIGHT | 7,001 (13 acres in Aitkin County |
CARLTON | BLACKHOOF | 3,676 |
CARLTON | BLACKHOOF_WEST | 1,907 |
CARLTON/AITKIN | HAUGEN | 5,514 (116 acres in Carlton) |
CARLTON | KETTLE_RIVER | 4,231 |
CARLTON | KOECHER_ROAD | 647 |
CARLTON/PINE | MOOSE_LAKE | 1,556 (743 acres in Carlton) |
CARLTON | SAWYER | 729 |
CARLTON/AITKIN | WRIGHT | 7,001 (6,988 acres in Carlton) |
PINE | LARSON_ROAD | 173 |
PINE | MILITARY_ROAD | 652 |
PINE/CARLTON | MOOSE_LAKE | 1,556 (813 acres in Pine) |
ST. LOUIS | ECHO_TRAIL | 3,560 |
ST. LOUIS | KINNEY | 360 |
ST. LOUIS | MOOSE_RIVER_NORTH | 419 |
ST. LOUIS | MORGAN LAKE RD | 6,006 |
ST. LOUIS | VERMILLION | 246 |
An interactive map of proposed spongy moth management activities is available on the MDA website.
When would the proposed management happen?
If approved, aerial management activities in southern Minnesota would likely occur mid-June to early July, while activities in northern Minnesota would likely take place mid-late July. More specific management dates will be provided closer to the implementation period. However, timing is dependent on weather and insect development.
How do I stay informed or get more information:
You can find more information and register for a virtual informational public meeting being held on March 24 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. by visiting www.mda.state.mn.us/smmanagement. You can also sign up for text or email alerts to stay up to date on the management proposal by visiting the MDA website.
For questions, comments, or concerns, email reportapest@state.mn.us or call 1-888-545-6684.