Gypsy Moth Treatments Have Begun in Williams County
You may have seen low-flying aircraft just above the tree tops in Fulton and Williams counties this past Sunday, and wondered what in the world are they doing? These aerial treatments are part of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s ongoing effort to suppress European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). This destructive insect feeds on trees and shrubs, and in its caterpillar stage, can consume up to 1 square foot of foliage every 24 hours. This results in defoliation of the tree, and can ultimately result in tree death. Gypsy moth was first introduced to the United States in 1869, with the hopes of developing a new strain of silkworm for silk production. Since then, they have spread from Massachusetts to the Great Lakes region. They were first detected in Ohio in 1971 in Ashtabula County. Present day, gypsy moth has been found in 51 of Ohio’s 88 counties – including Williams County.
A naturally occurring bacterium and virus are used for treatment of gypsy moth. The bacterium is called Bacillus thuringiensis v. kurstaki, and is a variety of Bt. It can be found in soils across the state and is specific to caterpillars of certain moths and butterflies, because it requires alkaline gut conditions for toxin release. In humans, mammals, birds, fish, and many beneficial insects, the toxin is not activated due to our acidic stomach environment. The virus used for treatments is called Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV), and is very specific to gypsy moth. Products containing either Btk or NPV must be digested by gypsy moth to be effective.
The first of two treatment applications for Williams County was completed on May 19. Daily updates on treatment progress can be found at www.agri.ohio.gov or by calling 614-387-0907 or 614-728-6400.
Ohio Department of Agriculture, Plant Health Divsion. (2019, April 24). Gypsy Moth Program. Retrieved from URL https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/plant-health/gypsy-moth-program/gypsy-moth-program
