Gypsy moth treatment for Porter County’s Cobbs Corner site, which was planned to start this week, has been delayed because of anticipated rain and wind, and been rescheduled for Monday, April 23.

The schedule could change again, depending on weather.

The Cobbs Corner site will receive two aerial treatments spaced four to 10 days apart. The site is the only area gypsy moth treatment planned for April or May.

Treatment updates will be posted at gypsymoth.IN.gov and on Twitter at twitter.com/INdnrinvasive.

A map of the treatment site and further information may be found at gypsymoth.IN.gov.

During the treatment, people in and near the treatment area might notice a yellow crop duster airplane flying 50-125 feet above treetops as it releases Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) Foray 76B, a bacterium commonly found in the soil and frequently used in organic farming. Btk kills gypsy moth caterpillars as they feed on tree leaves by disrupting their digestive systems.

The flights will start at sunrise and continue as long as weather permits. With favorable weather, the treatment should be completed by late morning.

Btk has been used for decades by organic gardeners and has an excellent safety record with people and animals. People who live or work near the treatment areas might choose to take common-sense precautions, including staying inside when the planes are flying and for about 30 minutes after treatments are complete. This gives the material time to settle out of the air and adhere to treetops.

People with questions about this project can call the Indiana DNR toll-free at 1-866-NO EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684) or their Purdue County Extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO (1-888-398-4636) during regular business hours.