Fighting Gypsy Moths in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Agriculture makes plans to slow the spread of the destructive gypsy moth this spring through aerial treatments.

Department staff members will host several open houses in treatment areas that will offer attendees the opportunity to speak directly to those who work wtih the program, learn about the pest, and view maps of treatment areas. 

Those with questions who live near a treatment area in central Ohio will have the opportunity to talk with experts at the following open houses:

Licking County – Feb. 16, 6 – 8 p.m., Union Township Hall, 1380 Beaver Run Road, Hebron, Ohio

Perry County – Feb. 17, 6 – 8 p.m., Saltlick Township Hall, 136 East Main Street, Shawnee, Ohio

Gypsy moths are invasive insects that attack more than 300 different types of trees and shrubs, with oak being the preferred species. In its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds heavily on the leaves of trees and shrubs limiting their ability to photosynthesize. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies.

Currently in Ohio there are 51 counties under gypsy moth quarantine, limiting the movement of regulated articles out of those counties.