Gypsy moth treatments to begin in NW Ohio

REYNOLDSBURG — Next week, the Ohio Department of Agriculture will begin aerial treatments designed to disrupt gypsy moth mating on 13,275 acres in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Wyandot counties, according to the ODA.

To help protect Ohio’s diverse habitat, the ODA operates multiple programs aimed at managing gypsy moths in Ohio. One such program, the slow-the-spread program, focuses on monitoring, detecting and reducing isolated populations to slow the gypsy moth’s movement across the state through treatments.

Airplanes will fly 100-200 feet above tree tops to apply the treatment throughout the day. Weather permitting, treatments will begin in northwest Ohio the week of June 22 and occur over one or two days, the ODA said.

In all counties receiving treatment, the department will use a single application of the product Disrupt II, which does not kill the moth, but disrupts the mating process by confusing males as they search for female mates. Disrupt II is not harmful to birds, plants, pets or humans, the ODA said.

Pre-recorded daily updates about planned treatment blocks are available to residents by calling 614-387-0907 or 800-282-1955, ext. 37, after 5 p.m.

The gypsy moth is a non-native, invasive species that feeds on the leaves of more than 300 different trees and shrubs and especially is fond of oak. A healthy tree usually can withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies, the department said. To date, 51 of Ohio’s 88 counties have established gypsy moth populations.