Spongy Moth aerial spraying in Northland to start soon
Exact dates will depend on weather conditions
Spongy Moth spraying plane
(Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to do aerially spraying across parts of Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine, and St. Louis counties to slow the spread of Spongy Moth.
There will be 24 sites sprayed across the area.
The Spongy Moth is a destructive invasive forest pest.
The spray will be applied by low-flying yellow planes contracted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
Most areas that will be sprayed are away from heavily populated areas.
Officials will likely conduct the aerial management activities July 16-22, 2025 beginning as early as 6:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.
These dates are dependent on weather conditions in the area.
The 24 sites total approximately 83,760 acres.
A map of the sites is available on the MDA website.
Residents can also look up their address on an interactive map to determine if they are within any of these areas.
2025 Proposed Spongy Moth Spraying Areas
(Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
The MDA will use a method of mating disruption which is the aerial application of a non-toxic waxy, food-grade substance containing pheromones specific to spongy moths that confuse the male moths.
This makes it difficult for the male spongy moths to find females, reducing mating success.
The result is fewer caterpillars hatching and attacking trees next year.
The MDA says the product is not harmful to humans, animals, birds, or other insects.
Spongy moths are among America’s most destructive tree pests, having caused millions of dollars in damage to eastern forests.
The moths are now threatening Minnesota.
If present in large numbers, spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of forest.
Oak, poplar, birch, and willow are among their preferred hosts.
