Contact: Nkauj (pronounced ‘gow’) Vang
608-224-4591, nkauj.vang@wisconsin.gov
MADISON—Trapping numbers and field surveys indicate that the gypsy moth, the insect that favors a diet of oak leaves, is reproducing and taking hold in two Wisconsin counties.
On May 1, 2011, Jackson and Price counties will officially join most of eastern Wisconsin considered to be generally infested with the gypsy moth. The counties have been placed under federal and state gypsy moth quarantine.
The quarantine will have the greatest impact on plant nurseries, Christmas tree growers and lumber mills because of inspection requirements.
“The quarantine requires that Christmas trees, logs and nursery stock be inspected and certified as gypsy moth-free before those products can move into non-quarantine counties or non-quarantine states,” said Bob Dahl, chief of plant protection with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “This is to prevent the introduction of the gypsy moth into areas that either don’t have it or have low populations of the pest.”
People living within a quarantine county have added responsibilities when moving outdoor items. Because female gypsy moths can lay eggs on nearly anything kept outside, there is a risk of moving gypsy moths when moving things like patio furniture, campers, boat trailers or firewood.
“If you are going camping or to your cabin, check your gear before leaving to be sure you aren’t carrying any gypsy moths with you,” Dahl said. “This is very important if you’re headed to areas in western Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa where gypsy moths aren’t as prevalent.”
“If you are moving your entire household into a non-quarantine county or non-quarantine state, you may be asked if your possessions have been checked for gypsy moths,” Dahl explained. “Using the pamphlet ‘Your Next Move Gypsy Moth-Free’ from the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as your guide, do a self-check and present it as proof of your inspection.” Copies of the guide are available online at http://www.yourmovegypsymothfree.com and from your local moving company.
Does this mean that next spring, trees will stand bare while hairy caterpillars crawl on the outside of buildings, leaving their droppings behind?
“Not necessarily,” Dahl said. “A county can be infested, but gypsy moths may be concentrated in certain areas, so not everyone may notice them.”
Since it was first discovered in Wisconsin in the late 1960s, the gypsy moth continues to creep westward. Eastern Wisconsin counties were placed under quarantines starting in 1993, and the last time the quarantine expanded was in 2009. The leading edge of the gypsy moth infestation is in the middle of the state.
“However, if we did nothing to control the pest, that leading edge would be through Wisconsin and into Minnesota, with much more damage done. We will continue our work to eliminate isolated outbreaks in western counties and to slow the spread of the moth across Wisconsin,” Dahl explained.
For more information, call Bob Dahl at 608-224-4573 or visit gypsymoth.wi.gov.
