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Latest News For You | For Agency Professionals
The gypsy moth is the most destructive forest insect pest to infest New Jersey's forests. Repeated defoliation by the gypsy moth represents a serious threat to New Jersey woodland and shade tree resources.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture promotes an integrated pest management approach, which encourages natural controls to reduce gypsy moth feeding and subsequent tree loss. However, when gypsy moth cycles are at a peak, natural controls have difficulty in preventing severe defoliation. In these special cases, the Department recommends aerial spray treatments on residential and recreational areas using the selective, non-chemical insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis.
The Department's Gypsy Moth Suppression Program is a voluntary cooperative program involving New Jersey municipalities, county agencies, state agencies, and the USDA Forest Service.
In order to protect New Jersey's valuable forest resources, the Department conducts aerial defoliation and ground egg mass surveys, monitors the application and evaluates the efficacy of the spray material.
- Remove and destroy eggs sacks nesting in trees and wooded areas
- Band susceptible trees with burlap strips or sticky barrier strips to deter the migration of caterpillars
- Clear property of wood debri and use all old firewood before stacking a fresh supply as this is a natural habitat for gypsy moth egg sacks
- Educate yourself about the life cycle of gypsy moths so that you will know when and how you can protect your property from infestation
The NJ Department of Agriculture has a compilation of informative fact sheets posted to their Web site that will equip you with the knowledge you need to do your part in suppressing the growth of gypsy moths in your area. Learn more >
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions here.
To reach the NJ Department of Agriculture by phone call (609) 292-5440.
Research Source
NJ Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 330,
Trenton, NJ 08625
last modified: 5.3.10
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