HARRISBURG, PA — In an extensive effort to protect the state’s valuable habitats, the Pennsylvania Game Commission recently announced plans to spray over 123,000 acres of state game lands this spring. The target of this large-scale operation is a non-native invasive insect—the spongy moth.
The operation will span 46 different state game lands, encompassing a total area of 123,276 acres. This substantial venture is set to commence as soon as leaf-out takes place and the spongy moth egg masses hatch, estimated to fall around late April and into May.
Paul Weiss, the Chief Forester of the Game Commission, acknowledged that those engaging in spring gobbler seasons or simply relishing the beauty of state game lands may witness aircraft spraying forested areas. Weiss stated, “disturbances are brief and only temporary. By safeguarding these forests, we can ensure that hunters have the means to pursue their passions for generations to come.”
To respect hunting traditions, no spraying is scheduled for the opening day of the spring gobbler season—Saturday, May 4.
The spongy moth, previously recognized as the gypsy moth, poses a significant threat to these areas. Left untreated, these insects could lead to widespread defoliation this summer, causing severe stress to the trees, particularly as many of these forests experienced a late frost last spring.
The insecticide slated for use in this operation is Mimic 2LV, which contains the active ingredient tebufenozide. The product is generally safe for humans, with most adverse effects occurring due to long-term exposure to high concentrations. Short-term exposure may cause irritation, prompting the recommendation to wash affected areas if any discomfort arises.
The objective of this meticulous spraying plan is to combat the burgeoning populations of spongy moths across five major regions—Southcentral, Northcentral, Southeast, Southwest, and Northeast—allowing Pennsylvania’s forests to thrive. Unfortunately, the Northwest Region is not a part of this year’s spraying schedule.
The long-term adverse effects of spongy moth infestations have been alarming, causing forests on state game lands to transition from mast-producing mixed-oak stands to stands dominated by birch and maple.
Weiss noted, “These forests are the main target for spongy moths, and are also essential to wildlife as they provide reliable food sources. The loss of acorn availability across such extensive areas can be extremely damaging for wildlife populations—from chipmunks and squirrels to deer and even bears.”
David Gustafson, director of the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, emphasized the urgency of taking action, stating, “The value of oak forest habitats for wildlife is tremendous. The actions we take now help to keep that balance.”
This intervention not only aims to protect the immediate health of the forests but also strives to secure the long-term stability of wildlife populations, and the valuable habitats they depend on. With spongy moths posing a significant threat to the flourishing of these habitats, proactive measures, such as the scheduled spraying, reflect the state’s commitment to safeguarding its forests and wildlife.
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