gypsy moth

This BYGL Alert is a press release that was shared by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) regarding its planned gypsy moth treatments in Hocking, Muskingum, Perry and Vinton Counties. 

Emerald Ash Borer University (EABU) was created to be able share programming on the EAB, and other invasive pests, virtually, before it was the in-thing! While you are receiving lots of information about programs and presentations being offered virtually in response to the stay-at-home order, we wanted to remind you of the sessions EABU has on tap in the next couple months. Additionally, the sessions that have been offered in the past have been recorded and can be viewed at your convenience. 

The caterpillar feeding frenzy has ended for the year and adult activity is being observed in NW Ohio. The male moths have taken flight in their zig-zag pattern in hopes of finding a mate. The female moths are white and a bit larger in size, and typically don't move far distances from the pupal casing that they emerged from. She gives off a pheromone to alert close by males of her location. After a visit from the male moth, she will begin laying eggs. The mass of eggs laid now, will remain in that stage until the following spring. 

Last year was an active year for gypsy moth in Ohio, especially what I was seeing personally in Lucas County (Toledo, Ohio). Earlier this season, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) treated ten identified blocks in Lucas County. There were also treatments made across the state for both larval control and mating distribution at part of the national program coordinated in Ohio by ODA. Information on the treatments made by ODA, including maps, can be found on their website at: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/plant-health/gypsy-moth-program/gypsy-moth-program  Additionally...

It seems like invasive species are all around us. We read about them in the paper, hear about them on the television, and see information about them on the web. This one-day workshop is designed to give you an update on what is happening in the world of invasive species and how can you help. 

This is a press release from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, distributed on June 5, 2019.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...

The gypsy moth is a non-native pest that feeds on leaves and needles of over 300 different trees in the buckeye state. The feeding injury occurs in the spring and early summer when populations are present. The early season feeding, when heavy, causes the plants to push new leaves that ultimately are the food-factories for the rest of the year. Healthy deciduous trees can usually recover as long as there isn't repeat defoliation year after year. Evergreens can die in a single season. 

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,...