Gypsy moth treatment continues in Duluth, Cloquet

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says they are planning a second treatment to eradicate a gypsy moth infestation in Cloquet and Duluth.

The MDA is planning these treatments on Wednesday, June 29, starting as early as 5:00 a.m. in Duluth followed by Cloquet. It may take up to two hours to complete both areas, and treatment is dependant on the weather.

The agency uses a low-flying airplane as it navigates through the infestation sites, and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the noise of the plane.

The Duluth site is approximately 75 acres in the Gary New Duluth Neighborhood, from 98th Ave. W to the railroad tracks and extending from Bowser St. to near Minnesota Highway 39. The Cloquet site encompasses approximately 500 acres around the Sappi mill property, including the area near the St. Louis River and Cloquet Ave.

The treatment product, Foray/Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), is a biological product that is certified organic for food crops. It has no known health effects for humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, bees, and other non-caterpillar insects.

Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-888-545-6684 or ReportAPest@state.mn.us with questions regarding gypsy moth and the planned treatment.