My understanding is that the actually female caterpillars were found near there as opposed to male moths found along the north shore that blew in from the U.P. The spray is an organic compound utilized on agricultural cabbage crops that breaks down the digestive track of all active caterpillars at the time of spraying. The pheromone concept basically confuses the males search for the females. I heard the Ag department will have some community forums/meetings.Hopefully some butterfly gardens can be protected at the time of spraying.

When I was a student I worked a couple of summers as a gypsy moth trapper - actually a fabulous job, if anyone's looking for seasonal work and likes being outside. I got the mailer too - the Bt application area is relatively small, so shouldn't be a problem for native butterflies and moths. For native critters breeding in Duluth, they'd be spread out over habitat throughout the city and losing a few caterpillars in Central Hillside won't make a difference overall. The gypsy moths (presumably) are localized in the area, and the application could get all or most of them.

Took me a moment or two to recall why the initials btk made me squirmy. What I was recalling has nothing to do with insecticides.

I live near Chester Creek and have honey bees next door and down the block.  Will there be any ill effects to those hives?

Will this affect Army Worms?! If so, who do I have to pay for a bombing run further east (toward my neighborhood) on the days they spray?