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The Cherokee National Forest and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry plan to conduct gypsy moth aerial treatments beginning June 12 on 868 acres of forested land in and around Johnson County.
The aerial treatment is part of the USDA Forest Service’s 20-year program to slow the spread of spongy moth. Spongy moth is a devastating exotic insect that feeds on many hardwood trees, especially oaks in the eastern United States. Treatment is being conducted to eradicate the population and prevent its establishment in the area.
Approximately 800 acres of the treatment area are within the Cherokee National Forest in Johnson County. The treatment area will be sprayed with a spongy moth pheromone that confuses the moths during mating disrupting their reproduction. The biodegradable spray is non-toxic, only affects the spongy moth, is certified for organic production and is not known to cause impacts to humans, other insects, animals, and the environment.
Approximately 1.5 miles of the Iron Mountain Trail (Forest Trail #54) in the Cherokee National Forest, is located within the proposed treatment blocks. The trails will be signed to inform trail users of the project before they enter the treatment area.
The spongy moth is one of the most destructive pests threatening the eastern U.S. spongy moth caterpillars feed on tree leaves, damaging, and even killing trees. Trees that are repeatedly defoliated by spongy moths have a high risk of dying. Because oak leaves are a favorite food of spongy moth caterpillars, oak forests are particularly susceptible to defoliation.