Updated: 3/28/05
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APHIS
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News
Eradication Program
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The Eradication Program deals with isolated gypsy moth populations that arise beyond the transition area in what is considered the non-infested zone. These populations develop as a result of human movement of gypsy moth life stages on infested material such as fire wood or other outdoor materials from outside the area. The objective is to eradicate these small isolated populations before they can establish themselves.
Funding for the Eradication Program comes from the USDA – Animal, Plant Health Inspection Service – Plant Pest Quarantine (APHIS / PPQ) and the state cooperators.
Treatment options include:
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Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) – A bacterium found in soils across the world and in Ohio, which when formulated as an insecticide acts as a stomach poison.
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Diflubenzuron – An insect growth regulator insecticide that works by preventing the formation of chitin, which is an important structural component of the external skeleton of the gypsy moth larvae.
In 2007, approximately 2,984 acres were treated under this program.