Kenosha County Gypsy Moth Suppression Program
How to spot gypsy moths:
Color: Females are generally light tan with brown or dark tan bars on their wings. Female Gypsy Moths do not fly.
Caterpillars: Adult larvae develop five pairs of raised blue spots and six pairs of raised reddish spots on their bodies.
Egg masses: Found on the bark of trees, egg masses are most visible in the late fall after leaves have fallen. Egg masses are generally 1 1/2 inches long and shaped like teardrops. They appear to be wrapped in a tan-colored felt cloth. Viable egg masses are spongy, without noticeable exit holes. They also can be found under decks and on woodpiles, outdoor furniture and playground equipment. They should be removed or destroyed by April to prevent them from becoming caterpillars.
Report Gypsy Moth egg masses on your property for field verification by Kenosha County Land and Water Conservation Department staff in the fall at (262) 857-1895. If gypsy moth egg masses are verified on your property, your property may be included as part of a treatment block for aerial spray application through the WDNR Gypsy Moth Suppression Program in spring.
It is NOT a Gypsy Moth if it’s:
-
Building a cottony nest or web in trees
-
A white moth that flies
-
Larger than a 50 cent piece and colorful
-
A caterpillar with long stripes on its back or sides
-
Flying in the springtime
To get more information about gypsy moths and their management call 1-800-642-MOTH (6684) or visit the UW-Extension Gypsy Moth web site or the Wisconsin Gypsy Moth portal web site
PRESS RELEASE
Release Date: Immediately
Contact(s): Daniel Treloar (262) 857-1895
Aerial Spraying to Control Gypsy Moth Planned for Kenosha County, Public Meeting Scheduled
BRISTOL, WI -- Aerial spraying to control gypsy moth caterpillars has been proposed for Kenosha County this spring in order to reduce gypsy moth populations and prevent the caterpillars from defoliating trees in the treatment areas. The spraying will be coordinated through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Gypsy Moth Suppression Program.
There are 12 treatment areas in Kenosha County scheduled for an aerial spray treatment this spring, including; (4) Village of Pleasant Prairie near 107th St at 63rd Ave., Cooper Rd at 80th St. and 71st St., and Carol Beach Estates, (3) Town of Bristol along CTH “U” just north of the state line, (2) City of Kenosha near 55th St. at 39th Ave., and 35th St. at 22nd Ave., (1) Village of Twin Lakes along, CTH “EM” and Grand View Lane, (1) Town of Salem along CTH “B” south of CTH “K”, (1) Town of Wheatland near 327th Ave. and 73rd St. A small, low-flying airplane will apply ‘Foray’, an insecticide made from the naturally occurring bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, beginning early in the morning. ‘Gypchek,’ a viral insecticide specific to gypsy moth caterpillars, will be used in areas where endangered butterflies or moths are found. The spraying will occur sometime between the middle of May and early June, depending on weather conditions, caterpillar development, and the geographic location within Wisconsin. Landowners and residents within the proposed treatment areas can request not to be sprayed by writing to Daniel Treloar, Dept. of Planning & Development, 19600 – 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104. Objection requests must be received by February 27, 2009.
Kenosha County has scheduled a public information meeting for all interested residents. Representatives from the Kenosha County Gypsy Moth Program and the Department of Natural Resources will be present to discuss the biology and control of the gypsy moth, and which areas of the county are proposed for treatment. The meeting will be held at the Kenosha County Center, 19600 – 75th Street, Bristol, WI in Hearing Room A, on February 11, 2009 at 6:00 PM. Questions from the public can be directed to Daniel Treloar at (262) 857-1895.
The gypsy moth is a serious forest and urban pest that was introduced into the United States from Europe in the 1860s. Within the past few years, populations in southeastern and central Wisconsin have increased to the point that the caterpillars may kill trees by eating all of their leaves during May and June. Aerial spraying will help reduce this damage and will help decrease the incredible number of caterpillars that can result during a period of high infestation. Caterpillars in high numbers can become a nuisance, ruining outdoor activities and increasing the chances of allergic reactions through the increased possibility of contact with the caterpillars. If you’d like more information on gypsy moths or the suppression program, please visit the DNR program website at http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fh/gm/suppression.htm or the state’s cooperative gypsy moth website at http://gypysmoth.wi.gov