Last spring a world renowned UC Berkeley biologist discovered an irregular visitor to northern California. After checking his backyard insect traps he discovered several small moths. Having studied this creature in it's native born Australia, The Light Brown Apple Moth was easy for him to recognize. Since it's discovery in Australia it has been found on several continents and regarded as a benefit or detriment depending on the local. Since it's discovery last year the state has become very concerned that it will become an agricultural liability. Although there has been zero crop damage reported the Department of Agriculture has declared a state of emergency and has commenced with a plan to spray the entire state in hopes of eradicating the tiny "pest."

The spray consists of a moth hormone that will render it sterile. Although used in some agricultural settings the spray has never been tested for prolonged human contact.

Because the state has declared an emergency they may continue spraying unrestricted by the EPA for the next ten years. With the prospect of being sprayed with an untested hormone that can linger in the air for up to 90 days many residences have become alarmed. This concern has raised many questions. I recently visited with both sides of this debate in the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.

Check out the video story:

http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF0098A13200170098D6BA/

Thanks, Carl