Ontario County will be fighting gypsy moths that can destroy trees and plants from the air over the next few weeks.

The sheriff's office says low-flying airplanes will be spraying a non-toxic treatment around the county. Officials are advising people not to call 911 if they spot the low-flying planes or helicopters.

Leaders say the spray is not harmful to people or pets and only prevents the growth of the moth's caterpillars.

The DEC says the invasive species has been around since the 1800s, but has become a huge problem in Ontario and Yates counties in recent years.

The caterpillars eat all kinds of trees, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and other pests.