Gypsy Moth Eradication Treatments

Gypsy Moth Eradication Treatments

I’m Lacy Gray with Washington Ag Today.

Last summer Washington State Department of Agriculture trappers caught 27 European gypsy moths during the annual statewide trapping program. Twenty-five of those were in Tukwila. Due to the large number of gypsy moth catches in Tukwila, and the presence of gypsy moth egg masses in the area indicating there is a reproducing population present, the WSDA is proposing to treat roughly 180 acres in Tukwila and Renton this spring and summer. Mike Louisell with the WSDA explains the process.

LOUISELL: This spring we would propose using a biological insecticide on trees and shrubs in this small area of Tukwila where these gypsy moths were found. We are also proposing something different this year. We’re going to propose some mating disruption techniques, using an aircraft to disperse a confetti sized pheromone impregnated flakes. These pheromones cause confusion for the male gypsy moths and they cant’ find female moths to mate with. That effectively would stop an infestation if done at the right time.

The WSDA will be conducting an open house in Tukwila in February to discuss the project with residents. The public can also view information regarding the European gypsy moth and proposed treatments on the WSDA’s website. The WSDA will comply with the State Environmental Policy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act before determining whether to move forward with the eradication. Louisell says if left unchecked, gypsy moths, which feed on more than 500 species of trees and plants, present a serious problem for Washington’s forests and urban landscapes.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Ag Information Network.