The Washington State Department of Agriculture started its efforts this weekend to eradicate gypsy moths in Snohomish, King and Kitsap counties.
Gypsy moths are a non-native, invasive species that are "voracious eaters that defoliate and kill trees," according to the Department of Agriculture.
The moths feed on more than 500 types of plants and trees and are known to wipe out massive agricultural areas around the country.
People living in the treatment areas should have received information in the mail from the WSDA. Officials urge residents to sign up for alerts prior to the spray treatments because they are weather dependent and could be moved.
The first treatments will begin at Gilberton and Martha Lake before moving onto Crosby and Union Hill-Novelty Hill later this month.
The treatment is sticky so officials recommend you cover your cars and wash down outdoor furniture with soap and water afterward.
Those who come into contact with the spray should wash the affected skin with soap and water. If it gets into eyes, flush them out for 15 minutes.