The Illinois Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the US Forest Service’s Slow the Spread Program plan to treat parts of northern Illinois (including Orland Park) for the destructive Spongy Moth (historically gypsy moth). Depending on weather, Splat GM-Organic Mating Disruptor, will be sprayed from yellow air tractors late June.

Spongy Moth is a non-native tree pest. Large populations of the pest are capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them susceptible to disease and environmental stressors. Severe or repeated defoliation can cause tree death. Unlike the Emerald Ash Borer, another non-native pest which feeds exclusively on ash trees, the Spongy Moth is not a picky eater. Though its caterpillars will devour almost anything leafy and green as they feed on over 250 species of plants, they especially prefer many of our trees including oak and willow and even pines.

Male Spongy Moths are brown with black chevron-like markings on their wings and have a wingspan of an inch-and-a-half. Female Spongy Moths are slightly larger and typically white or cream-colored with similar markings. The females cannot fly because of the weight of their eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Spongy Moth and Lymantria Dispar:

In late June, airplanes will apply the mating disruption product Splat GM-Organic, which is a Spongy Moth-specific pheromone that acts as a sexual attractant and prevents male Spongy Moths from finding females and breeding. The below area (82nd Ave to Central Ave, and 151st ST to right before 135th ST) will be treated. 

The Purple outline is the area to be sprayed. The blue outline is the flight area. Yellow airplanes will be flying low in this area.

SPLAT GM-O Frequently Asked Questions: