Six counties finish gypsy moth treatment

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture is wrapping up its fight against the destructive gypsy moth, which devours foliage on more than 500 kinds of trees and shrubs.

The state will conclude its 2011 eradication program by treating more than 11,000 acres of land in Jo Daviess, Kendall, Putnam, Stephenson, Will and Winnebago counties either Friday or Monday.

The treatment uses airplanes to drop pheromone flakes on land in the communities of Stockton, Oswego, DePue, Lena, Channahon, Joliet and Rockford.

The state agency said the flakes are not toxic to humans, other animals, birds, fish and most insects. The flakes work by disrupting mating by the moth.