Prince William County to spray for gypsy moths
The county’s Department of Public Works is conducting an aerial suppression program for gypsy moth populations. The treatment areas, or spray blocks, are roughly 3,000 acres, throughout the county. Residents should expect noise from a small low-flying fixed –wing yellow aircraft with tail number N5085Q. Spray will begin in the early morning to mid-morning or may occur mid -to- late afternoon. This effort may take several days and possibly occur on weekends. Residents and pets should stay indoors during the spray operation and for 30 to 45 minutes after the spraying is complete and the plane is no longer visible. The EPA-approved insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki will be used in the aerial application. Spraying must be timed with appropriate leaf and caterpillar development in order to be effective. The spraying will be dependent upon weather conditions. Gypsy moths damage trees by causing defoliation and can cause tree mortality. Citizens can help control gypsy moths on their own property by scraping egg masses and caterpillars into soapy water if they are found. For gypsy moth questions, please contact the Gypsy Moth and Mosquito Control office at (703) 792-6279 or visit the Web site at www.pwcgov.org. Click “residents,” “environment” and then “mosquitoes and gypsy moths.”