Gypsy Moth Spraying to begin in Yellow Springs and Clifton

SW Ohio Communities,

This is a general heads-up that ODA’s Slow-the-Spread Program has begun treatment yesterday. The Slow-the-Spread Program (transition zone) focuses on monitoring, detecting, and reducing isolated populations to slow the gypsy moth's movement across the state. We are very fortunate in southwest Ohio that this program works as well as it does since the rest of Ohio’s communities have one more insect problem that they must manage and use resources to keep a safe and healthy urban forest.

ODA’s Gypsy Moth Program website: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/gypsy/gypsy-index.aspx

The February Open Houses were during the snow storms and might have been overlooked. Treatment will be in these southwest Ohio communities:

· Butler County – Monroe

· Greene County – Yellow Springs and Clifton

· Highland County - Rainsboro

· Montgomery County – Kettering

I can tell you that Kettering is being treated today (4/28). If you need additional information other than what is available through ODA sources, I am more than happy to assist you.

Wendi Van Buren
Regional Urban Forester
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
777 Columbus Avenue, 5-A, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
office , mobile

ODA Press Release: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/public_docs/news/2010/04-20-10%20Gypsy%20Moth%20Treatments%20General%20Ohio.pdf

Ohio Department of Agriculture to Begin Gypsy Moth Treatments Across Ohio

Acreage in 20 counties will receive treatment

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (April 20, 2010) – The Ohio Department of Agriculture will soon begin aerial treatments designed to slow, suppress or eradicate the gypsy moth population in Ohio. Treatment will begin in southern Ohio on April 27 and will move north as weather permits.

Allen, Butler, Clark, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Guernsey, Hardin, Highland, Hocking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Pickaway, Pike, Putnam, Union, Vinton and Wood counties are scheduled to receive treatment.

Treatments are administered using a low-flying aircraft that flies just above tree tops. High humidity, low temperature and minimal wind are crucial for a successful application. This year, treatment begins earlier than usual due to warm weather early in the season and is most likely to take place during early morning hours. The department will use Gypchek, a bio-insecticide specifically used for controlling gypsy moth, and Foray (Btk), a naturally occurring bacterium found in the soil that interferes with the caterpillars’ feeding cycles. These treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds or fish.

Ohioans can view maps of treatment blocks at www.agri.ohio.gov. Daily updates on treatment progress across the state are available by calling 614-387-0907 or 1-800-282-1955, ext. 37, any time after 5 p.m.

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

The department uses three programs to manage the gypsy moth population in Ohio. The suppression program is used in counties where the pest is already established, but landowners voluntarily request treatment to help suppress populations. The second program, slow-the-spread, occurs in counties in front of the larger, advancing gypsy moth population. The third program is the eradication program, used in counties where isolated populations develop ahead of advancing moth populations due to human movement of the moth. Officials work to detect and control isolated populations to slow the overall advancement of the gypsy moth infestation.

For more information about the gypsy moth quarantine or for specific treatment locations, visit www.agri.ohio.gov.

Dayton Daily News: Aerial treatment to kill moths is safe for humans, pets