Fighting Canker Worms with Aerial Spraying by Helicopter in Shannondale

The fight to stop the defoliation of Shannondale, WV by cankerworms, better known as inch worms, took to the skies this morning.  The Shannondale Gypsy Moth Committee hired Helicopter Applicators Inc. (HAI) out of Gettysburg, PA to do the actual application to the area. They used Foray 48B Btk which is a bacterium that only affects caterpillars and will not harm other types of insects, fish, birds or mammals.

Helicopter Applicators Inc spraying in Shannondale

HAI was using their 1966 Bell UH-1H Helicopter to do the treatment. It is powered by a turbo-shaft Lycoming T-53 engine. The distinctive sound of the propeller echoing on the mountain added a bit of excitement to the morning.

Helicopter Applicators Inc spraying in Shannondale

1966 Bell UH-1H Helicopter

1966 Bell UH-1H Helicopter

Refueling and the loading of the spray was done at the point on Lake Shannondale. Application started after 7am and was done by 11am. By treating the worst areas of infestation the actions of the committee will have saved numerous trees from the cankerworms.

Helicopter lifts off from Lake Shannondale

Helicopter flying over Lake Shannondale