Over the past several years, gypsy moths have advanced into Ohio, becoming problematic in 51 of the state's 88 counties. Gypsy moths are a non-native, invasive species. In its caterpillar stage, it feeds on the leaves of more than 300 different trees and shrubs, especially oaks. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of this before it is permanently damaged or dies.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture offers Ohioans in the gypsy moth quarantined counties assistance through the Gypsy Moth Suppression Treatment Program. The deadline to apply for this is Sept. 1.
The goal of treatment is not to eliminate the gypsy moth, but to suppress the population levels to protect trees and reduce defoliation.
The program is funded by the department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Suppression area treatment costs are split evenly with the landowner.
In order to qualify for treatment, the proposed area must meet the following criteria: Be located in a county within the gypsy moth quarantine; have a minimum of 50 contiguous forested acres; contain an average of 250 egg masses per acre based on a survey by the department; have a tree canopy that covers no less than 50 percent of the area; consist of at least 35 percent of tree species that are susceptible or slightly resistant to the gypsy moth; and receive a favorable assessment from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
For more information about the gypsy moth program, see www.agri.ohio.gov.
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