REYNOLDSBURG – 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 www.agri.ohio.gov/gypsymoth to learn more about this pest and to view maps of the
treatment areas. Those with questions who live near a treatment area in the northwest Ohio region will
have the opportunity to talk with experts at the following open houses:
• Van Wert County – Feb. 3, 6 – 8 p.m., Van Wert Municipal Building, 515 East Main Street, Van Wert
• Lucas County – Feb. 4, 6 – 8 p.m, Oak Openings Metro Lodge, 5240 Wilkins Road, Whitehouse
• Hancock County – Feb. 5, 6 – 8 p.m., Delaware Twp. Hall, 601 South Main Street, Mt. Blanchard
• Wyandot County – Feb. 6, 6 – 8 p.m., Upper Sandusky City Hall, 119 North 7th Street, Upper Sandusky
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 address 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 include:
• Foray (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
during mating season
• Gypchek, a bio-insecticide specifically used for control of gypsy moth
The department uses different types of treatments, depending on the location and extent of infestation.
All treatments require an aerial application. Foray and Gypchek 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 March 1. 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.