The Ohio Department of Agriculture will target a small part of Mount Vernon in an effort to suppress the spread of invasive gypsy moths.
Insecticide will be sprayed from the air in May on nearly 4,000 acres from just north of Pine Street extending southeast paralleling Martinsburg and Newark Roads to south of the Irish Hills Golf Course. This includes most of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
“The ODA has determined that there is a growing population of gypsy moths in this area and that a control treatment is needed to prevent an infestation,” the city said in a release.
Gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar) are invasive insects that can attack more than 300 species of trees and shrubs. Residents may be familiar with their nests, which are milky white bags attached to tree limbs.
Low-flying aircraft just above treetops will release the insecticide, generally during the early-morning hours when temperatures are low, humidity is higher and winds are light, the city said. The ODA said that the chemical being used, SPLAT GM-O, will not harm people, pets or plants.
Residents can expect to be notified before the spraying starts via social media, postcards, news releases and signage in the affected neighborhoods. Beginning in May, residents can call 614-387-0907 for a recorded message with details on the spraying.
Residents may comment on the program through Feb. 28 by emailing plantpest@agri.ohio.gov. For more information on gypsy moths and the state’s efforts to eradicate them, visit agri.ohio.gov/GypsyMoth, or call 614-728-6400.
