Frequently Asked Questions
What is being done?
Gold Key has signed a contract to apply a naturally occurring bacteria (‘Bt’) via aerial spraying to control the spongy moth population. Egg mass counts of the neighboring Game Lands and in-person surveys by a PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources forester show that this year is going to have an exceptionally high population of caterpillars hatching, and treatment is recommended. Pike County also has a grant program this year to make funds available to HOA’s and other landowners to help offset the cost of treatment and encourage as much land as possible to be covered, reducing pockets of infestation left to spread further in upcoming years.
What is Bt?
Bacillis Thuringiensis var. kustaki (known as ‘Bt’) is a naturally occurring microbe commonly found in soil. Bt has been registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency since 1961 for use to control insect pests on food, forage crops and forests. It is frequently used by organic farmers, commercial landscapers and home gardeners for its effectiveness, low risk, and selectivity. A specific Bt strain called ‘kurstaki’ is formulated as an insecticide that kills spongy moth and other caterpillars. Spongy moth caterpillars ingest Bt when they eat host leaf tissue sprayed with it. Soon after, caterpillars stop feeding and die a short time later.
How can I find the safety data sheet (SDS), or more information from the vendor.
The specific formulation of Bt our applicator intends on using is Foray 48B, at a rate of ¾ of a gallon per acre. The vendor website is https://www.valentbiosciences.com/foresthealth/products/foray/48b/ , and the current SDS is at https://www.valentbiosciences.com/foresthealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/03/SDS-VBC-0075R5-Foray-48B-01-20-2020-.pdf
The vendor also has their own Frequently Asked Questions site at https://www.valentbiosciences.com/foresthealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/02/FORAY-Technical-Manual_Section-5.pdf , which covers many more questions in greater detail.
Why do we use Bt to control Spongy Moth?
In brief summary, Bt has no known effects on non-target organisms including humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, honey bees or other wildlife. This organic product is highly effective to control spongy moth and is labeled for use on organic farms.
How is Bt different from chemical insecticides?
Btk is not a chemical insecticide, rather it is a naturally occurring organism. Chemical pesticides
have a single mode of action (making them susceptible to insecticide resistance) and typically kill a wider range of insects, including many beneficial ones. The active ingredient of Foray is a natural bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, spp. kurstaki Strain ABTS-351. This strain of Btk produces a finely balanced profile of four different protoxins specific to the larvae of certain caterpillars.
This means that non-targets (birds, bees, fish, people) are unaffected by Foray. Foray is quickly biodegraded in nature, unlike a number of chemical pesticides that form by-products and residues of environmental concern. Most formulations of Foray are approved in Certified Organic programs.
What happens to Bt in the environment?
Bt is rapidly broken down by sunlight on plant surfaces (3-7 days) and on the soil surface (a few days). Also, microbes in soil will break down these bacteria. Bt does not readily leach through the soil, and is not recognized as a threat to groundwater or surface waters.
Is Bt harmful to people or pets?
No. Numerous studies over many years have yielded no evidence of significant problems to humans and mammals from using Bt on crops, in home gardens, or in Spongy moth sprays. After a thorough review of the toxicity of Bt products, including both active and inert ingredients, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada, the World Health Organization, and many other groups have judged it safe and effective for aerial applications when used according to label directions.
Most people have already been exposed to Bt in their diet, at very low levels. Since Bt is commonly found in soils, exposures not related to spraying are also possible. This safety has been confirmed with over 30 years of Bt use in urban and rural applications. In fact the EPA has found Bt safe enough that it has exempted Bt from food residue tolerances, groundwater restrictions, endangered species labeling and special review requirements.
Is it safe for my organic garden?
This organic product is highly effective to control spongy moth and is labeled for use on organic farms. It’s very likely you’ve eaten organic produce from the store that was treated with Bt at some point.
If Bt already exists in soil, why do we need to spray trees to control spongy moths?
Bt normally is found in the soil but not on tree leaves up in the canopy. As such, caterpillars don’t encounter Bt that occurs naturally in the environment and so do not become infected that way.
Will the spray affect my car or home?
No. Cars, houses, and other household articles will not be harmed by the product and residues
will rinse off after a few rain events. Cars can be washed with soap and water to hasten residue removal. Some people living in the treatment area have reported the presence of small droplets or fine dust on surfaces following spraying. Washing the vehicle soon after spraying will remove any residues.
Are there additional precautions I can take if I am in the treatment area?
Although not necessary, some people may choose to minimize their exposure to the Bt spray, even though it has proven to be one of the safest pest control methods available. Suggested precautions include the following; remain inside at least 15 minutes after the treatment has finished; wait until spray droplets or dew has dried before letting children or pets outside
What if someone or their pet comes into contact with Bt?
If people or pets are inadvertently exposed to the Bt spray, they are unlikely to experience any ill effects, no special precautions are required. If you come in contact with the Bt spray, wash the affected area with soap and water.
What time of day will spraying occur?
Spray timing is heavily influenced by the weather – particular conditions are needed where spray will remain as mist and have an effective dispersal. These conditions include low winds and high humidity. This usually occurs in the morning, but can be at any time. Gold Key will provide as much advance notice as possible from the applicator.
What else can I do to protect my trees from Spongy Moths?
You can scrape them off your trees or buildings and destroy them by submerging them in a bucket of soapy water or bleach, or burning them. Alternatively, or in addition, you can use a barrier band. Note that if you simply scrape the egg masses onto the ground, many eggs will still be able to hatch next spring.
I have additional concerns
If you have specific concerns about the spraying, you may wish to read though the frequently asked questions in the knowledgebase on this site, the Frequently Asked Questions about Spongy Moth Spraying on the community website, or the article from the March Digital Magazine going over the reasons for spraying, which is also on the community website (and which was sent via email to all members in early March).