Aerial treatments take on gypsy moth infestation in Brecksville

by Tess Wolfe

Brecksville residents may notice a yellow crop-duster flying low overhead, just above the treetops, at some point this spring. It is part of continuing efforts throughout the state to thwart the destructive impact of gypsy moths, a non-native, invasive species of insect that, in the caterpillar stage of development, feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, leading to defoliation that plant life can’t withstand.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will host an open-to-the-public forum on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 6-8 p.m., at the Brecksville Community Center, with information on its aerial application of Foray 48B, an organic insecticide with an active ingredient of naturally occurring bacteria found in soil throughout Ohio.

“The gypsy moth first entered the state in 1971,” said David Adkins, inspection manager in the plant-pest control section of the ODA. “That was the first time we trapped a male moth, and that was in Ashtabula County. It has been slowly spreading across the state.”

Having divided Ohio into three areas to address the gypsy moth problem, the ODA has a different approach for each phase of moth-population development. The suppression area to the north of the state, in which Brecksville is located, is where gypsy moths are well-established and has the highest concentration of the insect.

The transition area in the more central region has isolated gypsy moth populations that have developed. The eradication zone, toward the southeastern portion of Ohio, has not had an influx of gypsy moths, so human movement of infested materials – on campers, trailers, lawnmowers and picnic tables – is to be avoided.

“When someone moves from Northeast Ohio to Southwest Ohio, there is a very good chance, if they haven’t checked their outdoor equipment, that they could be carrying some egg masses or some life stages with them,” Adkins said.

In the suppression program, the ODA evaluates areas proposed by cities or landowners for treatment. To qualify for its aerial treatments, a block of at least 50 acres must have at least 250 egg masses per acre. In Brecksville, the ODA is evaluating a 73-acre area to determine where and when treatments will take place.

The cost of the program is split between the landowner or city and the governmental entities that run it, namely the ODA and the U.S. departments of Agriculture Forest Service and Forest Health Protection. Adkins estimated the cost to the city of Brecksville for the aerial treatment to be $2,700 or less.

About a week before treatment, residents within the affected block and those within a quarter mile will receive an ODA postcard reminding them of the upcoming aerial spray of Foray 48B and giving a phone number to call for daily updates as to where and when treatments will be taking place.

The day before treatment, signs will be posted in yards throughout the neighborhood. The areal treatments on each block will take place in two stages, five to seven days apart.

“The active ingredient [of the insecticide treatment] is a naturally occurring bacteria that the industry found once it is in the stomach of the insect becomes a toxin that causes it to stop feeding, and eventually the insect dies,” Adkins said. “But it breaks down very quickly in sunlight. It has no effect on plants or animals.”

For more information on the gypsy moth treatment program, call the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6400, or visit agri.ohio.gov.