City of Middleton to use helicopter for spongy moth treatments

MIDDLETON, Wis. -- The City of Middleton will begin treatments to suppress the spread of spongy moths Friday.

In a news release, the city said the first application of BtK for control of spongy moth will occur Friday, May 17, via helicopter, weather permitting.

Spraying will take place starting at 6:00 a.m., and is scheduled last for approximately one hour.

Areas to be treated include areas south & southeast of Parisi Park, Elmwood Ave. and University Ave. near Park St., and just east of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District offices.

The city said that areas sprayed are safe for use once any spray that reaches the ground is dried. Pets should be kept inside during the treatment window

The city said contracted applicators will be applying the naturally occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk), using a helicopter over three identified spray units.

Spongy moth is a highly invasive, non-native moth that defoliates hundreds of acres of forests across the country.

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