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Press Release - Monday, June 23, 2025
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Spongy Moth Mating Disruption Aerial Treatment to Begin Thursday, June 26, 2025
SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture would like to remind northern Illinois residents that the state's scheduled Spongy Moth treatment will begin the late morning or early afternoon of Thursday, June 26th, 2025, weather permitting. On Thursday, June 26 the US Forest Service (USFS) will spray Country Club Hills, an area in Cook County. On Friday, June 27, USFS will spray Oregon and rural Ogle county; Freeport and rural Stephenson county; and two areas in rural JoDaviess county.
Spongy Moth is a non-native pest. Large populations of the pest are capable of stripping plants bare, leaving them susceptible to disease and environmental stressors. Severe defoliation can cause tree death. Unlike the emerald ash borer, another non-native pest which feeds exclusively on ash trees, the Spongy Moth is not a picky eater. It will devour almost anything leafy and green as it feeds on over 250 species of plants, but especially prefers oak and willow trees.
If weather permits on Thursday & Friday, locations identified in the overview maps shown below will receive a pheromone application of Splat - GM Organic.
The pheromone application serves as a sexual attractant that confuses male Spongy Moths and prevents them from breeding. This is an aerial application using yellow fixed wing airplanes. The product used is an organic, biodegradable material made entirely of food grade materials. It does not impact other insects, mammals, or the environment.
Our DeKalb Office can be contacted at 815.787.5476. Spongy Moth specialists will be in the field for the spray program as it occurs. Maps of the treatment sites, product labels, and frequently asked questions on Splat are posted on the program's website at https://www.slowthespread.org/pages/illinois-outreach.
*Please see the attached PDF for maps
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