Aircraft Over Shelby Township Are Spraying For Gypsy Moths: PD

SHELBY TWP., MI — Shelby Township residents seeing low-flying objects in the sky may be wondering what they are seeing.

The answer? Aircraft spraying for Gypsy moths, according to police.

"Dispatch is receiving a number of calls about low flying aircraft in the area of the Township," the police department said in an alert. "Please be advised that these aircraft are doing their annual spray for Gypsy moths. They should be done by about 9am. Thanks and have a safe day!"

Gypsy moths are an invasive species, a term for non-native pests that can cause harm to native species and ecosystems, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Large numbers of gypsy moth caterpillars caused widespread defoliation in the state from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. A large population in 2020 may lead to more caterpillars hatching this spring in localized areas across Lower Michigan.

Heavy defoliation likely will become visible within the next month in localized outbreak areas and persist through mid-July, officials said.