Aerial spraying targets invasive gypsy moths in Washington

LACEY -- The Washington State Department of Agriculture is launching an aerial attack against the Gypsy Moth. An airplane dropped insecticide to kill the invasive pest in Lacey and Gig Harbor Monday morning.

"It is not native to North America,” said state expert Karla Salp. “It eats trees and shrubbery at an incredible rate."

The state used the insecticide, Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), to kill the gypsy moth caterpillars. Salp says Btk does not pose a risk to people or pets.

The state mailed out postcards with information notifying people who live in treatment areas.

For those still concerned, Salp said stay indoors when the plane is spraying and once the treatment is complete wait a half hour before going outside.

Throughout the month, the state is treating several locations including areas of Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Gig Harbor, and Nisqually.

For the latest information on when and where treatments will occur, click here and sign up for e-mail, text, or robo call alerts.