Gypsy Moths Threaten

 The Gypsy Moth Could Become a Serious New Pest in the Treasure Valley and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture will start an intensive survey for the non-native, invasive insect that defoliates trees.  Last summer two male moths were trapped by ISDA during annual detection surveys for the pest in Meridian, Idaho.  This year, the agency will set out nearly 400 traps in a grid pattern around the two positive trap locations to see if the insect has become established in the vicinity of the positive traps.  The non-toxic traps, placed in trees by agency surveyors, use an insect perfume or pheromone to attract male gypsy moths only.

As it relates to farmers, Ben Simko, who is an ISDA Project Manager, says there’s good news and bad news. “They do not attack farm produce, this invasive insect is a landscape tree pest established in the Northeast, and it is a serious defoliating pest of shade trees primarily, oaks, willows, poplars and a wide variety of trees. 

ISDA is seeking the cooperation of the public by not disturbing the traps placed in area trees. The traps are made of green cardboard, tent shaped, and about seven inches in length. ISDA asks Treasure Valley residents to serve as “citizen surveyors” by reporting unusual chewing damage to tree foliage caused by the colorful and hairy caterpillar stage of this invasive species to the ISDA at 208-332-8627.