Warmer than anticipated weather has prompted the state Department of Agriculture projected gypsy moth treatment window to move up.
Upon approval of the treatment plan, the state anticipates beginning gypsy moth treatments as soon as mid-April, depending on location, including Kent. The sites would be treated at different times, each based upon micro-climate differences that can affect development of the gypsy moth caterpillars.
Previously, the state had anticipated first treatments would occur in late April to early May, depending on location. But caterpillars are expected to emerge sooner than earlier estimates suggested.
Crews plan to spray about 600 acres in Kent, from roughly South 204th Street north to South 220th Street; and 68th Avenue South west to Frager Road. Two moths were found last year in that area. It takes crews four to six weeks to complete treatment.
Gypsy moth is a high-risk, invasive threat to Washington’s environment. Gypsy moth has defoliated millions of acres of forest across the Northeast and Midwest. If left unchecked, gypsy moths could devastate Washington’s forests. It has been detected in Washington every year since 1977, but permanent populations have not been established here because of the state’s consistent trapping and eradication projects.
Crews also will spray in areas of Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Lacey, Nisqually and Vancouver.
For more information, go to agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth.
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