Seasonal gypsy moth spraying begins Saturday

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Agriculture Department says it plans to start spraying for gypsy moth on Saturday in the south Puget Sound, as long as the weather is good. Periodic spraying is expected to continue on Sunday and into May.

The News Tribune newspaper reports aerial spraying requires a non-rainy, non-windy day.

Asian gypsy moths have never established themselves in North America, and state and federal agencies say the spraying is designed to keep them away.

The spraying is being done because a handful of male Asian gypsy moths have been caught in traps around the Puget Sound.