FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Katie Boyer, 614.563.6974
katie.boyer@agri.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Agriculture to Begin Gypsy Moth TreatmentsParts of Hancock, Hocking, Licking and Seneca Counties to Receive Treatments
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (April 28, 2021)– The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will soon begin aerial treatments to control the gypsy moth population in Ohio. Treatments are expected in early May, weather permitting, as larva and leaf development reach the optimal threshold.
The following areas will receive treatment:
∙ Hancock County: Arcadia
∙ Hocking County: South Bloomingville
∙ Licking County: Jersey
∙ Seneca County: Tiffin
Treatments are administered using a low-flying aircraft that flies just above treetops. High humidity, low temperature and minimal wind are crucial for a successful application. Treatment will most likely take place during early morning hours.
ODA will be using two kinds of treatments to control the gypsy moth caterpillar population, Foray (Btk) and Gypchek (NPV). Foray (Btk) is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the soil that interferes with the caterpillars’ feeding cycles. Gypchek (NPV) is a naturally occurring virus that affects only the gypsy moth caterpillar when ingested. Both treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds, bees or fish.
Ohioans can view maps of treatment blocks at ODA’s Gypsy Moth website. When the project begins, daily updates on treatment progress across the state will be available on the website or by calling 614-387-0907 or 614-728-6400.
Gypsy moths are invasive insects that defoliate over 300 species of trees and shrubs. In its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds on the leaves of trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies. In Ohio, 51 counties are currently under gypsy moth quarantine regulations.
ODA uses three programs to manage the gypsy moth population in Ohio. The suppression program is used in counties where the pest is already established, but landowners voluntarily request treatment to help suppress populations. The second program, slow-the-spread, occurs in counties in front of the larger, advancing gypsy moth population. The third program is the eradication program, used in counties where isolated populations develop ahead of advancing moth populations due to human movement of the moth. Officials work to detect and control isolated populations to slow the overall advancement of the gypsy moth infestation.
For more information about the gypsy moth or for specific treatment locations, visit ODA’s Gypsy Moth webpage.
- 30 -
Media Contact:
Katie Boyer, 614.563.6974
katie.boyer@agri.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Agriculture to Begin Gypsy Moth TreatmentsParts of Hancock, Hocking, Licking and Seneca Counties to Receive Treatments
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (April 28, 2021)– The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will soon begin aerial treatments to control the gypsy moth population in Ohio. Treatments are expected in early May, weather permitting, as larva and leaf development reach the optimal threshold.
The following areas will receive treatment:
∙ Hancock County: Arcadia
∙ Hocking County: South Bloomingville
∙ Licking County: Jersey
∙ Seneca County: Tiffin
Treatments are administered using a low-flying aircraft that flies just above treetops. High humidity, low temperature and minimal wind are crucial for a successful application. Treatment will most likely take place during early morning hours.
ODA will be using two kinds of treatments to control the gypsy moth caterpillar population, Foray (Btk) and Gypchek (NPV). Foray (Btk) is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the soil that interferes with the caterpillars’ feeding cycles. Gypchek (NPV) is a naturally occurring virus that affects only the gypsy moth caterpillar when ingested. Both treatments are not toxic to humans, pets, birds, bees or fish.
Ohioans can view maps of treatment blocks at ODA’s Gypsy Moth website. When the project begins, daily updates on treatment progress across the state will be available on the website or by calling 614-387-0907 or 614-728-6400.
Gypsy moths are invasive insects that defoliate over 300 species of trees and shrubs. In its caterpillar stage, the moth feeds on the leaves of trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies. In Ohio, 51 counties are currently under gypsy moth quarantine regulations.
ODA uses three programs to manage the gypsy moth population in Ohio. The suppression program is used in counties where the pest is already established, but landowners voluntarily request treatment to help suppress populations. The second program, slow-the-spread, occurs in counties in front of the larger, advancing gypsy moth population. The third program is the eradication program, used in counties where isolated populations develop ahead of advancing moth populations due to human movement of the moth. Officials work to detect and control isolated populations to slow the overall advancement of the gypsy moth infestation.
For more information about the gypsy moth or for specific treatment locations, visit ODA’s Gypsy Moth webpage.
- 30 -
Monthly Board Meetings & Special Meetings for 2021
All meetings are at the Hocking SWCD Conference Room on the first Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noted below.
January 5 - 6 p.m.
February 2 - 6 p.m.
March 2 - 6 p.m.
April 6 - 6 p.m.
May 4 -7 p.m.
June 2 - 7 p.m. (Wednesday)
July 6 - 7p.m.
August 3 - 7 p.m.
September 7 - 7 p.m.
October 5 - 7 p.m.
November 3 - 6 p.m. (Wednesday)
November 9-
(Annual Meeting and Banquet 7 p.m. Old Dutch Restaurant 12791 St. Rt. 664 S. Logan Ohio 43138)
December 7 - 6 p.m.
. All meetings are open to the public. All who attend must wear a mask and remain 6 feet apart. We ask that if you are not feeling well, have a temperature above normal or have been exposed to those with COVID-19, you stay home. Thank you for your cooperation.
All meetings are at the Hocking SWCD Conference Room on the first Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noted below.
January 5 - 6 p.m.
February 2 - 6 p.m.
March 2 - 6 p.m.
April 6 - 6 p.m.
May 4 -7 p.m.
June 2 - 7 p.m. (Wednesday)
July 6 - 7p.m.
August 3 - 7 p.m.
September 7 - 7 p.m.
October 5 - 7 p.m.
November 3 - 6 p.m. (Wednesday)
November 9-
(Annual Meeting and Banquet 7 p.m. Old Dutch Restaurant 12791 St. Rt. 664 S. Logan Ohio 43138)
December 7 - 6 p.m.
. All meetings are open to the public. All who attend must wear a mask and remain 6 feet apart. We ask that if you are not feeling well, have a temperature above normal or have been exposed to those with COVID-19, you stay home. Thank you for your cooperation.
Board of Supervisors Staff
Jo Ann Murtha Michelle Stufflebeam, District Manager
Fred Walter Rebecca Miller, Education Specialist
Clayton Stahr Danielle Gill, Wildlife Specialist/Forester/Technician
Scott Mong Jenna Balazs, Watershed Education and Outreach Coordinator
Allan Johnson
Jo Ann Murtha Michelle Stufflebeam, District Manager
Fred Walter Rebecca Miller, Education Specialist
Clayton Stahr Danielle Gill, Wildlife Specialist/Forester/Technician
Scott Mong Jenna Balazs, Watershed Education and Outreach Coordinator
Allan Johnson
Services
Forestry/WildlifeThe District has a fulltime Forestry/Wildlife Technician on hand to answer you questions.
|
Agriculture - NRCSThe District has a partnering relationship with NRCS.
|
EducationThe District offers environmental education programs for adults and children; forestry, wildlife, gardening, water, soil and more.
|
