OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The state is sounding the alarm over a pest infestation in Skagit County.

Governor Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation on Wednesday, May 8, over the “imminent danger” of a spongy moth caterpillar infestation. The infestation covers about 900 acres near Concrete and 1,400 acres in Thurston County.

The state Department of Agriculture says the caterpillars, formerly known as gypsy moths, pose a serious threat to the environment by feeding on over 300 types of trees, plants and shrubs.

The department plans to treat the infestation near Concrete later this month, using low-flying airplanes to apply the affected areas with a naturally occurring soil bacteria called Btk.

The treatment is said to pose very low risk to humans and pets. Btk is sticky though, so residents in the treatment areas may want to cover their cars parked outside and bring in toys to protect them from the spray.

The department advises people in or near the treatment areas to visit their website to sign up for alerts that are issued the day before treatments are scheduled to take place.