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All Things Considered
Aron Woldeslassie and Clay Masters

Minnesota Agriculture Department to spray for spongy moths

Gypsy moth
Known formerly as gypsy moth, the spongy moth was introduced to North America in an effort to create a silk industry. With no natural predators, its population exploded. Hoping to slow its spread in Minnesota, officials are spreading a fungus that kills the insect.
Courtesy of Purdue University

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You may soon see low-flying yellow planes spraying treetops in Minnesota. The state Department of Agriculture is beginning to aerially manage 19 sites to slow the spread of spongy moth.

Formerly known as the gypsy moth, the spongy moth is an invasive species known to defoliate trees.

MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with University of Minnesota forest entomologist Brian Aukema about the spongy moth and how its population is being managed.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation