Areas across Ohio are slated to receive gypsy moth aerial treatments by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in early spring to slow the spread of the destructive insect. Department staff members will host several open houses in treatment areas that will offer attendees the opportunity to speak directly with those who work with the program, learn about the pest, and view maps of treatment areas.
Citizens can also visit agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/gypsy/gypsy-index.aspx to learn more about this pest and to view maps of the treatment areas. Those with questions who live near a treatment area in north central Ohio will have the opportunity to talk with experts at the following open houses:
- Hancock County – Feb. 22, 6 – 8 p.m., Blanchard Township Hall, 102 Coleman Road (Corner of Coleman Road and Twp. Road 125), Benton Ridge, Ohio
- Crawford County – Feb. 22, 6 – 8 p.m., Dallas Township Hall, State Route 294 and Monnett Road, Monnett, Ohio
- Wyandot County – Feb. 23, 6 – 8 p.m., Upper Sandusky City Hall, 119 North 7th Street, Upper Sandusky, Ohio
- Marion County – Feb. 23, 6 – 8 p.m., OSU Extension Office, 222 West Center Street, Marion, Ohio
- Seneca County – Feb. 24, 6 – 8 p.m., Tiffin City Hall, 51 East Market Street, Tiffin, Ohio
Gypsy moths are invasive insects that attack more than 300 different types of trees and shrubs, with oak being the preferred species. In its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds heavily on the leaves of trees and shrubs limiting their ability to photosynthesize. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies.
Currently in Ohio there are 51 counties under gypsy moth quarantine, limiting the movement of regulated articles out of those counties.
To combat this problem, the department uses different types of treatment strategies to slow the spread of gypsy moth in Ohio. Officials have three programs aimed to manage the pest, including:
- The “Suppression” program, which occurs in counties where the pest is already established. Landowner(s) must voluntarily request treatment to help suppress populations.
- The “Slow-the-Spread” program, which occurs in counties in front of the larger, advancing gypsy moth population. In these counties, officials work to detect and control isolated populations in an effort to slow the overall advancing gypsy moth infestation.
- The “Eradication” program, which occurs in non-infested areas where an isolated population occurs, often due to the movement of infested firewood or outdoor equipment. Department officials use control treatments aimed at eradication of gypsy moth from these areas.
Treatments used for gypsy moth control in this planned treatment area include:
- Larvacide (Btk), a compound derived from a naturally occurring bacteria found in the soil that is effective in gypsy larvae control
- Mating disruption product, flakes or liquid that disrupt the male moth’s ability to locate females
- Mimic 2LV, Tebufenozide is a chemical insecticide that imitates the natural insect molting hormone thus initiating a premature and lethal molt in the gypsy moth larvae.
The department uses different types of treatments, depending on the location and extent of infestation. All treatments require an aerial application. Larvacide and Mimic treatments will take place in early to mid-May, and mating disruption treatments will begin in mid-June. The treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish.
Citizens who cannot attend the open houses and would like to provide official comment about the proposed treatment blocks should send correspondence to the department by February 29. Letters can be sent by e-mail to [email protected] or by hard copy to the attention of the Gypsy Moth Program, Plant Health Division – Building 23, Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
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