The Washington State Department of Agriculture says it is planning aerial spraying to battle a moth infestation across the state — including over Capitol Hill.

“The recommended treatment area includes an area of 130 acres in Capitol Hill where 22 European gypsy moths were caught in traps set this past summer,” an information page on the plan reads.

The eradication plan follows similar efforts in Oregon to remove the destructive moths before they can establish a permanent foothold in North America.

WSDA’s preliminary proposal is to treat areas in:

Pierce County, where several Asian gypsy moths were captured.

Thurston County, where two Asian gypsy moths were captured.

King County in Kent, where two Asian gypsy moths were captured, and Seattle, where 22 European gypsy moths were captured.

Clark County, where one Asian gypsy moth was captured.

In 2006, similar spraying drew protests and lawsuits as helicopters released insecticide known as Btk over parts of the city including Capitol Hill.

In 2015, WSDA says it trapped 10 Asian gypsy moths and 32 European gypsy moths in Western Washington. “It is the highest number of Asian gypsy moths ever trapped in Washington and the first time since 1999 that Asian gypsy moth has been found in our state,” the agency’s report states.

Gypsy moths are reported to be destructive to hundreds of types of trees and plants and were first recorded in the state in the late 1970s. You can learn more about the trapping program here.

WSDA must complete environmental reviews and “consult” with other agencies before the eradication plan can be finalized. You can email PestProgram@agr.wa.gov to comment on the proposal. The No Spray Zone site also has information on “ecologically sound pest management practices.” The state says the organic pesticide Btk is not toxic to humans but recommends minimizing exposure. Spraying is slated to take place in April.

There is more information on the moths and the eradication efforts at agr.wa.gov.