Wabasha County Spongy Moths

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing to take aerial action this summer to slow the spread of a destructive invasive insect.

The Plainview News reports Wabasha County Commissioners on March 3 heard a presentation regarding proposed 2026 management of Spongy Moth, an invasive insect which defoliates forests, feeding on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs.

The MDA proposes to manage Spongy Moth in Plainview, Theilman, Kellogg, Carley State Park, East Indian Creek (northeast of Plainview) and Hammond - and at John A. Latsch State Park in Wabasha and Winona counties.

Treatment would take place in late June and early July, when Spongy Month larvae are transforming into the mature stage.

Aerial treatments also are being proposed for Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore and Mower counties.

The next step in the process is to have County officials sign a letter of approval to be sent to the Federal Aviation Administration - a requirement for aerial applications.

A virtual meeting featuring information on proposed management activities in southern Minnesota is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.

Log in at www.mda.state.mn.us/smmanagement