Game commission plans insecticide spraying on state land

The Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to spray insecticide on game lands in the southwestern part of the state in an effort to control invasive insect the spongy moth.

Statewide, more than 123,000 acres of game lands will be targeted in late April and May, just as egg masses hatch. Spraying will not take place on two key days for spring turkey season — April 27, the first day for youth, and May 4, the regular season opener.

The insecticide being used is Mimic 2LV with an active ingredient of tebufenozide, which is generally safe to humans, according to the commission.

Spongy moths, non-native pests also known as gypsy moths, typically feast on the foliage of oak trees. The damage they cause can reduce access to a reliable source of food, such as acorns, for wildlife, according to the commission.