Spraying against gypsy moths will be done June 27th in Decorah

If the weather permits, state officials will do a spraying June 27th in the Decorah area that will be aimed at stopping the spread of gypsy moths.

The moths are currently infesting parts of western Wisconsin.  The spraying in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties this summer is aimed at slowing the spread of the pest into Northeast Iowa.

State Entomologist Robin Pruisner says the moth "defoliates everything," weakening and possibly killing the trees it preys upon.  The moths of have natural enemies, so controlling the population must be done by spraying.

State officials will use phermone flakes that confuse the male gypsy moths and prevent them from mating with the female moths.  The spraying uses tiny plastic flakes as a carrier for the phermone.

The cost of the spraying will be paid through federal funds.  The Decorah City Council on Monday night gave its blessing to the spraying.