Minnesota is the nation's hotspot for a wave of invasive moths moving across the US, according to agricultural experts. State officials are planning a large-scale spraying campaign this summer to combat the spread of these insects, which are predicted to thrive in the southeast part of the state. The campaign will involve spraying more than 150,000 acres with pheromones to disrupt the mating season for these moths, formerly known as gypsy moths. The spraying is set to take place over nine counties in Minnesota, including Wabasha, Winona, Olmsted, Mower and Fillmore in southeast Minnesota, and Aitkin, Pine, Carlton and St. Louis in northeast Minnesota. This will mark the first time spongy moths have been treated in Olmstead and Mower counties, as well as pockets of southeast Minnesota. Despite this, state officials believe federal funding has yet to be provided for this year's treatment. Spongy moth infestation is expected to be reimbursed. The largest outbreaks are taking place in La Crosse, Wis., just across the river from southeast Minnesota and just across Wisconsin. The moths are native to Europe and Asia but have been in the U.S. for over a century, devastating thousands of acres of trees and shrubs, affecting over 300 types of trees.