STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced it will conduct aerial mating disruption treatments to slow the spread of the invasive spongy moth during the week of June 23 in Starke County.

DNR officials describe the spongy moth as one of North America's most devastating invasive forest pests, adding that it's caused thousands of acres of defoliation across the eastern US.

The treatment for the moths includes the use of SPLAT GM-Organic, a biodegradable, food grade material with disruptive insect pheromones.

The DNR says a yellow airplane flying 75-125 feet above the treetops will release SPLAT GM-Organic starting at sunrise and continuing throughout the scheduled day, as the weather and flight schedules permit.

With favorable weather, officials say the treatments may be completed by late morning or early afternoon.

Jasper County is also included in this scheduled treatment.

The treatment is said to attract and confuse the male moths with female pheromone so that mating does not take place.

This material does not affect any insects other than spongy moths.

You can determine if your property is in the treatment areas online.