justnorth posted on September 18, 2007 14:33 :: 1541 Views
MADISON – Gypsy moth populations have been increasing to damaging levels in parts of Wisconsin, according to state forestry officials, who stress that this is the best time of year for landowners to determine if trees on their property could be defoliated by this pest next summer, and if so, to determine the best course of action to address the problem.
“Hot, dry weather this summer favored gypsy moth survival, and populations of the pest increased to levels that threaten significant tree damage in many counties next summer,” according to Andrea Diss-Torrance, Gypsy Moth Program Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division. Counties where the gypsy moth outbreak could be significant include, Adams, Columbia, Dane, Juneau, Kenosha, Marathon, Marinette, Milwaukee, Portage, Rock, Racine, Sauk, Walworth and Wood.
While outbreaks in those counties next summer are likely, not all areas within those counties will be equally affected. “Some woodlots and neighborhoods will be severely defoliated, and some areas – even ones nearby heavy infestations – may see little to no damage,” Diss-Torrance says.
Because defoliation can vary, Diss-Torrance says it is important to check now and decide whether action is needed. To predict whether an area is likely to be defoliated by gypsy moths next summer, landowners can survey for gypsy moth egg masses, and Diss-Torrance says now is the perfect time to do that.
Gypsy moth egg masses are typically teardrop-shaped, 1 to 1.5 inches long, and are covered in a tan-colored felt. Egg masses that will hatch next spring are firm to the touch. Old, empty egg masses are soft, bleached out, and covered with tiny holes. Directions on how to survey for the pest are available on the Wisconsin Gypsy Moth portal Web page [gypsymoth.wi.gov] (exit DNR).
“Do several surveys separated by at least 150 feet to get an idea of how widespread the area threatened with defoliation is,” recommends Diss-Torrance. “Your options for preventing damage are different depending on whether you are protecting a few trees or many acres.”
What to do if a survey results indicate defoliation is likely next summer
“If trees on your property are threatened, you will need to decide to treat the infestation or let nature take its course,” Diss-Torrance says “Landowners of residential or recreational property often take action to reduce the gypsy moth population to non-damaging levels. Owners of forest land may choose to allow the outbreak to run its course. In every state where this pest occurs, landowners protect only a small percent of the land that is threatened with defoliation by gypsy moths. Once established, this pest is part of the natural community, and people typically only treat to suppress outbreaks where those outbreaks would interfere significantly with the use of the property such as around their homes.”
Landowners who find high numbers of egg masses on only a few trees can consider the management options for yard trees found on the gypsymoth.wi.gov, Web site, or can hire a certified arborist to treat the infested trees. A searchable list of certified arborists in Wisconsin is available at the Wisconsin Arborists Association Web site .
If many acres of a property or neighborhood are likely to be defoliated by gypsy moths next year, an aerial spray of insecticide is a more cost effective choice. The DNR offers an aerial suppression program through counties. People who are interested in this program should contact their county and local municipality now to request that their property or neighborhood be included in an aerial spray. A list of county coordinators and local contacts is available on the DNR Web site.
Landowners who plan to participate in the state suppression program should leave all egg masses up to be counted by the staff who will be determining what areas will be sprayed. The egg masses can be treated with horticultural oil, but if the egg masses are removed, the surveyors may not be able to include the area in the spray. Privately arranging for an aerial spray is also possible; though, property owners considering this option should consult the guide to organizing these sprays as there must be conducted under state regulations. A link to this guide is on the [gypsymoth.wi.gov] Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT Andrea Diss-Torrance - (608) 264-9247
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