Minnesota Department of Agriculture outlines spongy moth aerial treatments in parts of Winona County

State officials briefed the Winona County Board on plans to treat localized spongy moth infestations with aerial mating‑disruption and insecticide applications this summer.

Matt Gallo, spongy moth treatment coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), told commissioners the agency identified treatment blocks in Winona County that will receive aerial mating‑disruption pheromone (SPLAT‑GMO) in most areas and a BTK application in a city block inside the City of Winona. MDA staff described SPLAT‑GMO as an EPA‑certified, nontoxic, biodegradable, food‑grade matrix carrying spongy‑moth pheromone; the product is intended to inundate treatment areas with synthetic pheromone so males cannot find females and mating fails.

Gallo explained that the principal period of caterpillar feeding occurs in May–June and that egg masses can overwinter through Minnesota winters. He said combining trapping and targeted treatments is part of a broader “slow‑the‑spread” strategy coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service and other states to slow westward and southward population spread so natural fungal and viral diseases can help limit outbreaks.

MDA reported it plans three mating‑disruption blocks in the county and one BTK block in the City of Winona; the city’s council will receive a parallel presentation. Officials said aerial applications are used for both tools and that contractors will typically fly about 100 feet above treetops. Exact application dates are weather‑dependent; MDA indicated contractors will likely arrive in Minnesota in late June and the county’s treatment window is typically in the June timeframe. MDA will provide estimates and narrow dates as the operation approaches and offers email/text signups for real‑time notifications on treatment days.

MDA asked county staff and commissioners to help publicize the work: the agency will mail informational postcards to residents inside treatment blocks, hold public meetings in March, issue press releases and maintain web updates; county social media, newsletters and website notices would extend that reach. Commissioner Meyer moved that the county assist with data distribution and notifications; commissioners expressed agreement and the board consented to cooperate with outreach efforts.

Commissioners asked MDA to coordinate similar briefings with municipalities whose limits overlap treatment areas (Commissioner Vaguely suggested Goodview and Winona) and to ensure seasonal field staff are identifiable when placing monitoring traps. MDA confirmed trappers carry state IDs and that the agency posts seasonal job openings on the Minnesota state careers site.

Ending: MDA staff said they will follow up with dates and materials; commissioners directed staff to assist with outreach and asked the agency to continue direct contact with city councils in affected jurisdictions.