Agency sets spraying plans for Pennsylvania state game lands

Harrisburg — In an effort to protect wildlife habitat, the Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to spray over 38,000 acres of state game lands this spring for gypsy moths.

Spraying is planned for 16 state game lands – 38,146 acres in all – and will begin as soon as leaf-out occurs and gypsy moth egg masses hatch, likely in late April and May. No spraying was to be scheduled the mornings of youth turkey season (April 26) or the opening day of spring gobbler (May 3).

“Those participating in spring gobbler seasons or otherwise enjoying state game lands may encounter aircraft spraying forested areas for gypsy moths,” said Paul Weiss, the Game Commission’s chief forester.

“We recognize some hunters might be temporarily affected by these activities, but disturbances are brief and only temporary, and by protecting these valuable habitats against a destructive, invasive pest, the forests will provide hunters the opportunity to chase gobblers there for generations to come.”

This year’s spraying will occur in the following regions: South-central, Northcentral, Southeast, and Northeast. The Northwest and Southwest regions have no spraying scheduled this year. Most of the blocks of forest to be sprayed can be treated within one day, often within only a few hours.

The forests to be treated in the coming weeks have building populations of spongy moths that, if left untreated, could cause severe defoliation this summer.

“Oaks are the main target of gypsy moths, and they also provide the best and most reliable wildlife foods,” Weiss said. “Unfortunately, in some areas, we have seen birch and maple replace the oak stands lost to past gypsy-moth defoliation.”

This loss of acorn availability across such a potentially large area can have extremely detrimental impacts on wildlife populations ranging from chipmunks and squirrels all the way up to deer and bears, Weiss added.

“Even if the oak trees manage to survive damage caused by this defoliation, the reduction of acorn production can linger for years after. The Game Commission has made the decision to aggressively treat this problem to protect the wildlife resources in the immediate future as well as into the longer term.”

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Oak forests also are important habitats for pollinator and other insect species. This promotes a healthy food chain ultimately benefiting all wildlife species.

Timothy Haydt, director of the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, noted that, based on the value of state game lands’ oaks for wildlife, the agency simply can’t afford to forgo spraying this year.

“We know that oak forest habitats are tremendously valuable to all wildlife,” Haydt said. “Acorns are an essential staple of the diet of small and large bird and mammal species found in Pennsylvania. The energy gained by consuming acorns in the fall and winter months allows wildlife to survive the often-harsh conditions encountered prior to spring green up.”

Acorns are also a preferred food source for our prized game species including wild turkeys, deer, black bears, ruffed grouse and several species of ducks, Weiss noted.

The insecticide to be used is Mimic 2LV. Its active ingredient is tebufenozide. This agent generally is considered safe to humans. Most negative side effects happen with repeated, long-term exposure to high concentrations of the product.

As with any chemical, it may cause eye or skin irritation if exposed, and it is recommended to wash any affected area if irritation occurs.

More information on gypsy moths and the Game Commission’s spraying program, including a map updating the status of spraying is available on an interactive webpage.