gypsy moth

Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), formally known as the gypsy moth, is still in its feeding frenzy stage in NW Ohio. Caterpillars can very evident when populations increase, and the leaves and needles of host plants disappear as the hungry caterpillars cause defoliation.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has scheduled mating disruption treatments in 9 Ohio counties. Treatments are scheduled for later this week, but timing will be weather dependant.

When talking spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) lifecycle, this non-native invasive species is currently in the egg stage. Now is an excellent time to look for egg masses, and consider planning for management options for the 2023 season.

While the caterpillar stage of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and its feeding is a thing of the past, adult moth activity is now being observed in the buckeye state. Populations are not widespread, but rather most evident in pockets or areas within the supression zone. Ohio has three management zones including: suppression, slow-the-spread, and eradication.  Each of thoses zones or programs are described below. 

A recent BYGL Alert (June 17, 2021 - https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1802) has prompted some emails coming from the following counties: Wayne, Medina, Lorain, Erie, Williams, Lucas  and Wood.

 

Caterpillars are gaining in size, their appetite is increasing, and their frass is falling. Last evening, I went to check out a site in Lucas County, in Toledo's Ottawa Park. The park includes many oaks, in the turf areas, and in the wooded area between the open areas and the adjoining golf course. There is plenty of food for these hungry...

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars are becoming evident in areas where populations are present. Citizens are reaching out to local Extension offices to identify the caterpillar and determine what is the best course of action.

 

The caterpillars are voracious feeders and as their numbers build, their appetites expand and plant foliage disappears rather quickly. While they prefer oaks, their host preferences are quite expansive. They seem to enjoy the needles of spruce, especially as larger, or later instar caterpillars.

 

Wisconsin has a "...

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will begin making treatments to manage the gypsy moth in the buckeye state. Information shared in this BYGL Alert was provided by ODA in the form of a news release. 

Changing EAB rules, oak wilt, invasive species management, and more! This spring’s EABU webinar series will cover a wide range of topics and see the start of a new series of 30-min All You Need to Know videos! Join us Thursdays at 11:00 AM ET starting March 18th. Details below!  

This is a media release distributed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) on June 8, 2020. 

 

GYPSY MOTH MATING DISRUPTION TREATMENTS TO BEGIN IN OHIO
 

Delaware, Franklin, Hardin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Union, Vinton and Washington counties to receive treatments

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will begin...

While the hatch of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars in some areas of the state began weeks ago, and the optimal treatment time to manage the caterpillar stage is nearing, first instar caterpillars just recently made their 'insect-debut' in NW Ohio, specifically in Toledo where the observation was made.