GYPSY MOTH INFORMATION & SUPPRESSION PROGRAM

GYPSY MOTH INFORMATION LINE
The gypsy moth is an invasive species that feeds on the foliage of trees. Depending on the population, its feeding can cause defoliation and eventual death of trees.

Wisconsin residents are encouraged to call the Gypsy Moth Information Line for information about the spray program, yard tree calls, general information. The number is: 1-800-642-MOTH. Starting this spring, the DNR call center will be answering calls to the Gypsy Moth Information Line, DNR branch, live, from 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Callers will get a live, trained person on the line nearly anytime you are likely to call. Visit www.gypsymoth.wi.gov or call 1-800-642-MOTH

2008 & 2009 GYPSY MOTH SUPPRESSION PROGRAM
Marathon County serves as the coordinator for the DNR spray program, in this area. For municipalities to participate, counties need to coordinate the program which provides some reimbursement for the spray program. The Villages of Kronenwetter, Rothschild, and Weston and the Town of Rib Mountain are participating in the 2008 gypsy moth suppression program. 2008 spraying will occur in late spring on 459 acres with gypsy moth infestations. dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fh/gm/areas/marathon

The spray contains insecticides specific to gypsy moth caterpillars. Although the insecticides are unlikely to cause any adverse health reactions, residents in areas to be sprayed are encouraged to stay indoors during spraying to avoid direct exposure.

Gypsy moth infestation levels can change yearly. Infestation is currently in an upswing. If you are a landowner with a gypsy moth infestation and are interested in the 2009 spray program, contact your local gypsy moth coordinator. If your community does not have a coordinator, contact a community representative to request that one be appointed.

MARATHON COUNTY UNDER GYPSY MOTH QUARANTINE

Trapping numbers and field surveys indicate that gypsy moth, the insect that favors a diet of oak leaves, are reproducing and taking hold in seven more Wisconsin counties including Marathon.

On January 1, 2004 - Adams, Dane, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Oneida, and Vilas counties officially joined 32 other Wisconsin counties considered to be generally infested with gypsy moth. The seven new counties will be placed under a federal and state gypsy moth quarantine.

The quarantine will have the greatest impact on plant nurseries, Christmas tree growers and lumber mills because of inspection requirements. "The quarantine requires that Christmas trees, logs and nursery stock be inspected and certified as gypsy moth-free before those products can move into non-quarantine counties or non-quarantine states," said Bob Dahl, chief of plant protection with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). "This is to prevent the introduction of gypsy moth into areas that either don't have it or have low populations of the pest."

People living within a quarantine county have added responsibilities when moving outdoor items. Because female gypsy moth can lay eggs on nearly anything kept outside, there is a risk of moving gypsy moth when moving things like patio furniture, campers, boat trailers or firewood.  "If you are going camping or to your cabin, check your gear before leaving to be sure you aren't carrying any gypsy moth with you," Dahl said. "This is very important if you're headed to areas in western Wisconsin , Minnesota or Iowa where gypsy moth aren't as prevalent.   "If you are moving your entire household into a non-quarantine county or non-quarantine state, you may be asked if your possessions have been checked for gypsy moth," Dahl explained. "Using the USDA-created pamphlet Don't Move Gypsy Moth as your guide, do a self-check and present it as proof of your inspection." Don't Move Gypsy Moth (8 pages, 272 KB)

Does this mean that next spring, trees will stand bare while hairy caterpillars crawl on the outside of buildings, leaving their droppings behind?  Not necessarily Dahl said. "A county can be 'infested' but the gypsy moth may be concentrated in certain areas so not everyone may notice them. Eastern Wisconsin counties were placed under quarantines starting in 1993 but widespread reports of caterpillars and defoliation didn't happen until the past few years," Dahl said.

Are we losing our battle again this destructive pest? "Since it was first discovered in Wisconsin in the late 1960s, the gypsy moth continues to creep westward. The leading edge of the gypsy moth infestation has reached the middle of the state," Dahl explained. "However, if we did nothing to control the pest, that leading edge would be through Wisconsin and into Minnesota with much more damage done. We will continue our work to eliminate isolated outbreaks in western counties and to slow the spread of the moth across Wisconsin ."

IDENTIFYING & MANAGING

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, UW College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the UW Extension have collaborated to create a series of brochures about identifying and managing the gypsy moth including proper pesticide application:

• Gypsy Moth Garden Facts (XHT1063) - (2 pages, 215 KB)
• Identifying & managing gypsy moth egg masses (FR-171a) - (2 pages, 448 KB)
• Identifying & managing gypsy moth caterpillars (FR-171b) - (8 pages, 378 KB)
• Selecting a pesticide for gypsy moth control (FR-171d) - (2 pages, 48 KB)

For more information on gypsy moth:

• Wisconsin Government: www.gypsymoth.wi.gov
• UW-Extension: www.uwex.edu/ces/gypsymoth/index.cfm
• Wisconsin DNR: dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fh/gm/
• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/gypsymoth/
• Wisconsin Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection website: www.datcp.state.wi.us/arm/environment/insects/gypsy-moth/index.jsp
• Call Wisconsin Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection at 1-800-642-MOTH (1-800-642-6684)
• You can also contact Kris Tiles, Central Wisconsin Basin Educator.

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