Moths that kill trees, cause severe allergic reactions infest western NC town
Fox carolina
2025.04.25
North Carolina officials will start treatment in May for an infestation of spongy moths in the Waynesville area.
Officials said the invasive moths, also known as gypsy moths, have infested three blocks and they will need to treat nearly 6,000 acres with a biopesticide.
Low-altitude helicopters will drop organic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstakii, over the area. The biopesticide is not harmful to humans, pets, or plants, officials said.
Heavy infestations of spongy moths can strip entire trees of foliage, killing trees and leaving forests susceptible to attacks from other pests.
The caterpillars also cause a public health concern for people with respiratory problems because their hair and droppings can cause severe allergic reactions.
North Carolina officials will start treatment in May for an infestation of spongy moths in the Waynesville area.
Officials said the invasive moths, also known as gypsy moths, have infested three blocks and they will need to treat nearly 6,000 acres with a biopesticide.
Low-altitude helicopters will drop organic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstakii, over the area. The biopesticide is not harmful to humans, pets, or plants, officials said.
Heavy infestations of spongy moths can strip entire trees of foliage, killing trees and leaving forests susceptible to attacks from other pests.
The caterpillars also cause a public health concern for people with respiratory problems because their hair and droppings can cause severe allergic reactions.
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