Spongy Moth Spraying

We wanted to take a moment to inform you about an upcoming activity that will be taking place in our community. As you may be aware, the presence of Spongy Moths (Lymantria dispar dispar) has become a concern in our area, and it is necessary to take proactive measures to control their population.


To address this issue, Saw Creek Estates will be conducting a Spongy Moth spraying program in the coming weeks. This program aims to reduce the defoliation caused by these pests and protect our trees and vegetation from their destructive impact. The spraying will be carried out by licensed professionals who specialize in pest control and will follow all necessary safety protocols.


The program will utilize approved insecticides that are safe for humans, pets, and the environment.


We understand that some residents may have concerns about the use of insecticides. Rest assured that the chosen insecticides have been thoroughly tested and approved for use in similar situations. Additionally, the spraying will be conducted in accordance with all applicable regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of our community.


We kindly request your cooperation and understanding during this process. While the spraying is taking place, we advise residents to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid direct contact with the sprayed areas until the insecticides have dried. This precautionary measure will help minimize any potential exposure.


All pertinent information is attached below. Click on an image to open the PDF document.


We will provide further updates and specific details regarding the spraying schedule as soon as they become available. In the meantime,if you have any questions or concerns, please email info@sawcreek.org. We are here to address any inquiries you may have.


Thank you for your cooperation and support in our efforts to protect the natural beauty of Saw Creek Estates. Together, we can mitigate the impact of Spongy Moths and ensure the health and vitality of our community's ecosystem.

Project Specifics


Who: Rebecca Lynn Flying Service has been contracted by Saw Creek to complete aerial spraying over the community via a Thrusher, a type of aircraft.

What: The aerial spraying will make use of a chemical compound called Foray 48B. Foray is a naturally occurring biological insecticide. It is commonly used throughout the world, often in organic farming.

This product was chosen for its eco-friendliness.


When: This aerial spraying will take place between the months of May and June when 50 percent of the caterpillars are in their second instar, so timing is critical.

 

Where: The aerial spraying will cover all over Saw Creeks approximately 2000 acres.

 

Why: During outbreaks, complete defoliation of susceptible trees or shrubs may result. Defoliated deciduous trees usually refoliate, but this depletes the trees’ stored energy reserves, making them more susceptible to pathogens and other insects. Since this insect consumes both old and new needles on conifers and trees are not able to refoliate, severe defoliation may result in tree mortality. 

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

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