Second gypsy moth spraying Tuesday

By Jeremy P. Kelley

Staff Writer

KETTERING — The second and final aerial spraying to combat a gypsy moth infestation in Kettering and Oakwood will take place Tuesday, May 4 if weather allows.

Kettering city officials say to expect low-flying aircraft beginning as early 6 a.m. Tuesday, as the Ohio Department of Agriculture sprays insecticide over affected areas.

Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Kaleigh Frazier said for the treatment to work, the weather has to be ideal — high humidity, low temperatures and low wind — making early morning the best time.

With rain possible in the overnight and early morning hours, Frazier said staffers will decide early whether to go ahead with the treatment or wait for better weather Wednesday.

The airplane that sprays the insecticide must fly just above tree tops in order for the treatment to be most effective. While state officials say the spraying poses no danger to people or pets, the small plane’s low flight path means a noisy wakeup for many residents.

The city of Kettering is using its CodeRed phone system today to notify residents of Tuesday’s spraying.

The gypsy moth is an invasive insect that kills trees such as oaks. Montgomery, Greene, Clark and Butler counties are among the 20 southern Ohio counties scheduled to receive treatment this year.

The first spraying in Kettering and Oakwood on Wednesday, April 28, began in the morning and lasted into the afternoon.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2278 or jkelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.