NW Ohio Anticipating Egg Hatch of Gypsy Moth

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Conversations among family and friends this week could include dying, hiding and finding "eggs." It is Easter you know. 

 

The eggs that we are talking about in this BYGL Alert are those of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar).  After spending about nine months in the egg mass stage, warmer temperatures are triggering the hatch of the caterpillars in Ohio.  These tan almost felt-like in appearance masses that can be laid anywhere will soon be bursting with 1st instar caterpillars. 

While we are eagerly awaiting the first hatch in NW Ohio, growing degree day (GDD) accumulations in southern and central Ohio indicate that if this exotic species is present, caterpillars should be observed.  Egg hatch has been observed beginning at GDD 192. 

 

The first hatch of gypsy moth caterpillars is closely tied  or correlated to the first bloom of the redbud (Cercis canadensis). 

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will once again be kicking off their Gypsy Moth Management Program which includes Slow-The-Spread and Suppression Activities.  Counties that will have management activities include:

  • Allen
  • Athens
  • Fairfield
  • Franklin
  • Hancock
  • Hardin
  • Jackson
  • Licking
  • Lucas
  • Marion
  • Morgan
  • Muskingum
  • Paulding
  • Perry
  • Ross
  • Union
  • Washington
  • Wyandot 

 

Information on the ODA program can be found on their website, and includes maps of each treatment block.  Informational Open Houses were held in management areas earlier this year.  The website can be found at:  http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/gypsy/gypsymothtreatmentmaps.aspx

 

If you suspect that you have a gypsy moth infestation, you can report that find to the ODA or through the Great Lakes Early Detection Network App.  Information on the App can be found at the App Stores or online at:  http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/gypsy/gypsymothtreatmentmaps.aspx