The Washington State Department of Agriculture says it is planning aerial spraying to battle a moth infestation across the state — including over Capitol Hill.
“The recommended treatment area includes an area of 130 acres in Capitol Hill where 22 European gypsy moths were caught in traps set this past summer,” an information page on the plan reads.
The eradication plan follows similar efforts in Oregon to remove the destructive moths before they can establish a permanent foothold in North America.
WSDA’s preliminary proposal is to treat areas in:
- Pierce County, where several Asian gypsy moths were captured.
- Thurston County, where two Asian gypsy moths were captured.
- King County in Kent, where two Asian gypsy moths were captured, and Seattle, where 22 European gypsy moths were captured.
- Clark County, where one Asian gypsy moth was captured.
In 2006, similar spraying drew protests and lawsuits as helicopters released insecticide known as Btk over parts of the city including Capitol Hill.
In 2015, WSDA says it trapped 10 Asian gypsy moths and 32 European gypsy moths in Western Washington. “It is the highest number of Asian gypsy moths ever trapped in Washington and the first time since 1999 that Asian gypsy moth has been found in our state,” the agency’s report states.
Gypsy moths are reported to be destructive to hundreds of types of trees and plants and were first recorded in the state in the late 1970s. You can learn more about the trapping program here.
WSDA must complete environmental reviews and “consult” with other agencies before the eradication plan can be finalized. You can email [email protected] to comment on the proposal. The No Spray Zone site also has information on “ecologically sound pest management practices.” The state says the organic pesticide Btk is not toxic to humans but recommends minimizing exposure. Spraying is slated to take place in April.
There is more information on the moths and the eradication efforts at agr.wa.gov.
not so sure this is a good idea:
http://www.nosprayzone.org/btk_151.html
‘avoid inhalation’
Numerous studies have not shown any significant health impacts from Btk. Additionally, the WA State Department of Health has examined both the active and inactive ingredients in Btk and concluded they do not pose a human health threat. More info is available on our website (including links to the Department of Health) at http://agr.wa.gov/PlantsInsects/InsectPests/GypsyMoth/Btk/BtkandHumanHealth.aspx
Though that professional-looking website is clearly a definitive source of information, they sprayed Southern California with much worse stuff to fight off a fruit fly infestation in the early 80s. They said, “it’s ok, but you’ll want to cover your cars because it’ll strip off paint.”
Oddly enough, everyone survived. Including our car’s paint. Because the warnings are on the extreme level of exposure/consumption, not what you will be exposed to or consume.
I recall that they did this on Capitol Hill back in the ’80’s. We weren’t thrilled about it but everyone seems to have survived.
I mean, it’s probably not harmful, but I wouldn’t say it’s a good idea to just go outside suck down vast quantities of air while they’re actively spraying.
I recall that they told us that it was best if we and our animals stayed inside during the spraying.
My wife and I were also here during the last spray. It is correct we were requested to stay indoors during the actual spraying. Our dog was inside with us but I do not recall seeing dead squirrels, cats, or other woodland creatures littering the area afterwards. The only result seemed to be an absence of the moths.
Not just “an absence of the moths”: What WSDA doesn’t advertise is that all species of Lepidoptera–all butterflies and moths–are susceptible to Btk. Research at OSU showed massive die-off of Lepidoptera, both diversity and biomass, in treatment areas. So besides the target species, admittedly an economic threat, many non-target, beneficial and desirable species are also likely to be absent after spraying. Butterfly and pollinator gardens in the area will become butterfly barrens, for the foreseeable. More specific bacterial agents exist, but are more expensive.