Meetings set on gypsy moth treatment

Van Wert independent/ODA information

Areas across northwest 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. ODA staff members will also 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 the treatment area.

Local open houses will be as follows:

Van Wert County – Monday, February 14, from 6-8 p.m., at the Administration Building on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Paulding County – Tuesday, February 15, from 6-8 p.m., at the Cooper Community Library, 206 N. First St., Oakwood.

In Ohio, 51 counties are currently under gypsy moth quarantine regulations. Gypsy moths are invasive insects that attack trees and shrubs by defoliation. In its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds on the leaves of trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak trees. A healthy tree can usually only withstand two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies.

To combat the problem, the ODA uses different types of treatment strategies to slow the spread of the gypsy moth in Ohio. The three programs being used include:

• The “Suppression” program, which is used in counties where the moth is already established, but landowners voluntarily request treatment to help suppress populations.
• The “Slow the Spread” program, which is used in counties in the path 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 advance of the gypsy moth infestation.
• The “Eradication” program, which occurs in areas not infested where an isolated population occurs because residents have carries the pest to the area through infected firewood or outdoor equipment. Department officials work through aggressive eradication efforts to eliminate gypsy moths from those areas.

Treatments for gypsy moth control include:

• Foray (Btk), a microbial compound naturally found in some agricultural and forest insects.
• Mating disruption product, flakes or liquid, that disrupt the male moth’s ability to locate females for mating.
• Dimilin, an insecticide that attacks gypsy moth larvae.
• Gypchek, a bio-insecticide specifically used or control of the gypsy moth.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture uses different types of treatment, depending on the location and extent of infestation in the area. All treatment require an aerial application. Foray, Dimilin and Gypchek treatments will take place in mid-May and mating disruption treatments will occur in mid-June. The treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish.

Area residents who cannot attend the open houses, but would like to provide official comment about the proposed treatment blocks should send correspondence to the department by March 1. Letters can be sent by email to gypsymoth@agri.ohio.gov or by hard copy to the attention of the Gypsy Moth Program, Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.