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 European Gypsy Moths

April 2004

Gypsy Moth Control - Integrated Pest Management

• Washington State uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to kill European Gypsy Moths.  This includes:

  • extensive monitoring with pheromone traps,

  • visual inspection for egg masses to determine where a breeding population is located,

  • manual destruction of egg masses,

  • targeted control for caterpillars with least toxic methods effective for the site,

  • and follow-up trapping to evaluate success of eradication.

   

•  The following methods or products are commonly considered as part of IPM for gypsy moths:

  • Btk (a microbe that is a natural disease agent of caterpillars),

  • Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (a virus that is a natural disease agent in gypsy moth caterpillars),

  • Diflubenzuron (a chemical that is an insect growth regulator),

  • Mass trapping with pheromone-baited traps,

  • Release of sterile male gypsy moths.

  • Mating disruption with the pheromone disparlure.

   

Information on the history of gypsy moth control in the US

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Next Page:  Health information on various control products and methods.

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For more information about the Pesticides Program, please contact Cynthia López or 360-236-3340.