Airplanes to fly over central Ohio counties to control invasive moths

A previous report can be seen in the player above.

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) — Seven central Ohio counties will soon see low-flying yellow aircrafts that will help to control an invasive species.

Spongy moth treatments are set to begin on May 6 and continue throughout May until mid-June, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced Monday. Licking County will be the first to receive the application while Fairfield, Hardin, Hocking, Knox, Logan, and Vinton counties will see the airplanes at a later date, weather permitting. Auglaize and Washington counties are also set to receive spongy moth treatments.

These moths are invasive for 300 species of trees and shrubs with caterpillars feeding on leaves. A tree can withstand two years before it either dies or is permanently damaged.

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The aerial treatment method involves the yellow planes flying about 100 feet above treetops and disperse a formula called SPLAT GM-O. The biodegradable mixture will help to disrupt the spongy moths mating process by confusing male moths as they search for female moths, thus preventing caterpillars.

It is also completely harmless to humans and animals, per the ODA. According to the ODA, Licking County will also receive a second product, Foray 48B, to target the moth’s larval stage. Foray 48B disrupts the moth caterpillars’ feeding process by ingesting the protein from the mixture.

If you come into contact with either mixture from the planes, wash the affected area with soap and water. The ODA says clothing should be cleaned with hot water and laundry detergent. Click here for more information on the spongy moths program.

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