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State sprays for moths in Gig Harbor, Lacey

The state Department of Agriculture conducts aerial spraying of pesticides Monday in Gig Harbor to help control the invasive Asian gypsy moth.
The state Department of Agriculture conducts aerial spraying of pesticides Monday in Gig Harbor to help control the invasive Asian gypsy moth. dkoepfler@thenewstribune.com

UPDATE: The state Department of Agriculture tweeted Monday morning that the agency has completed its spraying in Gig Harbor.

The Thurston County Health Department tweeted that spraying had finished in Lacey as well.

ORIGINAL POST: The state Department of Agriculture moved forward its Asian gypsy moth pesticide sprayings in Lacey and Gig Harbor to early Monday (April 18).

The aerial spraying of the pesticide Btk, which is safe for humans and pets, will start at 6 a.m.

The invasive pests are hatching earlier than expected because of the warm weather, spokesman Hector Castro said in an email Sunday.

The department is trying to get as much treatment done as possible before rainy weather returns this week, Castro said.

The first spraying in Lacey initially was set for April 28 and the first spraying in Gig Harbor was set for April 29.

Because the pesticide cannot be sprayed when it is raining or during high winds, the schedule for all treatments is tentative.

Kenny Ocker: 253-597-8627, @KennyOcker

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 3:07 PM with the headline "State sprays for moths in Gig Harbor, Lacey."

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