The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service will conduct aerial spraying to help manage spongy moth populations .

Citizens can expect to see low-flying aircraft over two forested areas in Dry Fork and Axton. Flights will be taking place from daybreak to nightfall and cover approximately 8,400 acres. Property owners in the area were notified directly.

Surveys show these areas have isolated spongy moth activity. This invasive pest threatens Virginia’s hardwood forests, especially oaks.

Crews will apply a mating disruption pheromone—an environmentally safe method that does NOT harm people, pets, pollinators, or plants. It simply prevents male moths from finding females, slowing the spread.