| Gypsy Moth Eradication Program |
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| Program Overview |
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ODA maintains a high-level detection program for gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar,
and its Asian strain (Asian gypsy moth). Each year approximately 18,000
traps are placed statewide to detect any new introductions. ODA
has conducted numerous gypsy moth eradication programs since 1981.
These have ranged from large-scale aerial application programs of
225,000 acres in the mid-1980s to small ground application programs of
ten acres. Early detection of new introductions has allowed eradication
programs to remain small and cost less, a benefit for Oregonians.
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| Public Information Meetings |
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Public information meetings hosted by the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture,
Plant Division, are held to discuss the gypsy moth detections in the
local area and their potential impacts, the proposed eradication
program and to address any questions or concerns from the public.
Public information meeting notices are mailed to all residents and land
owners in the vicinity of a proposed eradication program. Public
meeting notices are also published in one or more local newspapers.
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| Btk |
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Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) Information
The biological insecticide Btk is used to eradicate
any gypsy moth infestations found. Btk is applied to all foliage either
by helicopter or by ground equipment depending on the size and terrain
in the eradication area. Foliage treated with Btk must first be
ingested by the caterpillar. Btk disrupts the caterpillar's digestive
system and causes a bacterial infection. Caterpillars generally stop
eating and die within several days. Btk is effective only on
caterpillars and does not accumulate in the environment. Public health
monitoring studies have shown no adverse health effects of Btk in areas
where it has been used. For more information about Btk see the
links below.
Oregon Health Services (DHS)
Btk Fact Sheet (pdf)
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| Environ. Impact Statement |
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The 1995 USDA Final Environmental Impact Statement for Gypsy Moth
Management in the United States describes in detail the environmental
impacts of gypsy moth and the treatment alternatives used for control
or eradication. It is currently being updated and serves to guide
gypsy moth program managers nationwide in evaluating the various
control and eradication options available. The 1995 USDA EIS summary (pdf) summarizes these alternatives and their impacts.
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| Environmental Assessments (EA) |
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As part of the eradication process, a site specific environmental
assessment
is drafted to assess the environmental impacts of the preferred
treatment alternatives chosen from those evaluated in the 1995 EIS.
After a 30 day public comment period the final EA is prepared
addressing all comments received from the public and other stakeholders
regarding the proposed eradication program.
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| Spray Notices |
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If the decision is made by the director of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture to proceed with the eradication program, a spray notice
is mailed to all residents and landowners in the affected area.
It includes the tentative spray dates and times, a map of the treatment
area, and contact information.
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| More Gypsy Moth Information |
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