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Home My WebLink AboutIV. COW Agenda Item Gypsy Moth Update Mount Prospect Public Works Department INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: VILLAGE MANAGER MICHAEL E. JANONIS FROM: FORESTRY/GROUNDS SUPERINTENDENT DATE: MARCH 3, 2009 SUBJECT: GYPSY MOTH UPDA TE/RECOMMENDA TIONS At the July 8, 2008 Committee of the Whole meeting, Forestry/Grounds staff announced that Gypsy Moth larvae had been found for the first time in the Village. We suggested that aerial spraying of trees in parts of the Village might be necessary in Spring 2009. We promised to update the Board further after doing some trapping and conducting a winter egg mass survey. At the March 10, 2009 meeting we propose to report on those survey results and provide updated treatment recommendations. Pest Description. Damae:e and History Gypsy Moth is an invasive pest that in the last century has spread slowly westward from the northeastern portion of the United States. Although it initially prefers oak trees, this pest will feed on a wide variety of different tree and shrub species. The Gypsy Moth does not spread very far on its own, as the females do not fly. Like many exotic pests, it is generally transported by human activity into uninfested areas. (See Attachment A for Gypsy Moth presence in the U.S. as of September 2008.) Gypsy Moths have one life cycle per year and lay egg masses containing anywhere from 300- 1000 eggs each. In Spring the eggs hatch and caterpillars (larvae) emerge and feed on tree leaves. As larvae mature they undergo a series of growth stages called instars; the larger, later instars eat increasing amounts of leaves and are harder to control than earlier instars. Repeated defoliation can stress trees, even causing tree death. Larvae in high populations can also become a nuisance, creating a large mess by dropping excrement on anything below them. Gypsy Moth has now found its way into many northeastern Illinois communities. All of Cook County became quarantined in 2007. The Illinois Department of Agriculture is currently combating the insect through a method called Slow the Spread. This project consists of treating, at State expense, infested trees on the forefront of the infestation plus any outlying isolated infestations. As of 2003, Mount Prospect was no longer in the forefront area, so any future control measures would be the responsibility of the Village. H:\Forestry\WORD\2009\MEMO-GM-BRD-UPDA TE 3-1 0-09.doc Findsffrappine: in Summer of 2008 Last summer, Gypsy Moth larvae and pupae (the growth stage between larvae and adult moths) were initially found at ten sites throughout the Village. All larvae and pupae that were found were destroyed. In order to determine the extent of the infestation, we then used pheromone traps designed to detect adult moths in July/August of 2008. A trap was placed at each of the original finds and then another trap was placed approximately 1000' out. Additionally, traps were placed at several other locations throughout the Village in order to detect if Gypsy Moths were present anywhere else. The traps were checked two times during the male flight season. Unfortunately, adult Gypsy Moths were found Village-wide (See Attachments B and C). Winter 08-09 Ee:e: Mass Survey To further determine if the number of moths found in the traps warranted treatment, an egg mass survey was done in January 2009 by in-house personnel and staff members of the Morton Arboretum. The sites of the original finds were scouted, inspecting both private and parkway trees, to a radius of 150'. If any egg masses were found, the radius was then increased to 300'. During this survey, Gypsy Moth egg masses were found at twenty different locations on multiple species of public and private trees. The locations of the finds are spread out, but the heaviest infestations appear to be concentrated in three areas, Forestry Sections 9, 11, and 14 (See Attachment D). Treatment Recommendations for 2009 After reviewing the results of the egg mass survey and conferring with Morton Arboretum entomologist Dr. Fredric Miller, we now believe that a large scale aerial spraying will not be warranted for 2009. We believe that because the finds are spread out and we have not yet experienced extensive defoliation, it will be more effective to remove egg masses and spot treat infested trees as they are found. Because our infestation is new and we hope to eradicate Gypsy Moth to whatever extent possible, we are proposing that in 2009 any infested tree, parkway or private, be treated by a contractor hired by the Village, at Village expense. By implementing techniques commonly referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Village arborists will monitor for hatching of egg masses in order to treat at the most effective time. By doing this our contractor will be able to minimize pesticide use and apply the least toxic product. Treatments can be made by removing egg masses or spraying them with a soybean oil prior to hatch, or by spraying the insect in the larval stage until the point when larvae are no longer feeding. We expect that by combining treatment methods, we will get the most effective control. Because egg masses can be hard to find, especially in large trees, additional insecticide treatments may be needed after larvae emerge. A minimum of two larval treatments are required to cover the time period when eggs may be hatching. Insecticide treatments are most effective when larvae are in their first instars. At this time, a biologically friendly product called Dipel, which targets only caterpillar larvae, is quite effective. As the insect matures, the level of effectiveness is reduced, and a broader spectrum pesticide must be used. H:\Forestry\WORD\2009\MEMO-GM-BRD-UPDA TE 3-1 0-09.doc We recently sent a "Request for Quotes" for Gypsy Moth treatment to multiple contractors. We requested price quotes to climb trees to remove or spray egg masses and additionally to ground- spray trees that are infested with larvae. Prices were obtained without waiting for Board input because if approved, egg mass spraying or removal will need to occur shortly (by early to mid April). Insecticide treatments for larvae may have to start as early as late April, depending on weather. However, note that we are under no obligation to proceed with any treatments if the Board disapproves. We received six price quotes from contractors. In order to figure the lowest cost, we used a sample treatment list of treating trees in both of the size classes requested and on both public and private property as well as including 32 hours at a TimeIMaterial rate to remove or treat egg masses. Davey Tree Company had the lowest price at $8000.00. Note that, in anticipation of the March 10th Committee of the Whole Meeting, we have already contacted the property owners where egg masses were found on private property. We told them that the Village might be considering treatments this Spring, and solicited their opinions regarding treatment of trees on private property at Village expense, should the Board be so inclined. We informed them that they would need to sign a "Hold Harmless" agreement allowing the Village's contractor to work on their property. Seven letters were sent; three property owners have responded thus far and all are in favor of the Village treating on their property. Should residents decline treatment by the Village's contractor, the Forestry/Grounds Division would need to enforce the existing Village Code (See Attachment E), requiring that Gypsy Moth infestations be treated by the property owner. (If they refused, we could issue fines in the amount of$50.00 per day.) Currently $57,600.00 has been budgeted in the 2009 budget for Gypsy Moth control by aerial spraying (p.230, Account #0015203-540741). In lieu of aerial spraying, we propose to use some of the funds in this account to hire Davey to treat infested trees as described above. Although it is impossible at this point to predict how many additional infestations might be found, we expect to initially prepare a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $8000.00. Public Education In order to help combat Gypsy Moth we will also need to educate the public about the presence of this pest. Property owners should know what to look for and what control measures can be taken to help slow the spread. As a starting point, we have written an informative article for the April/May/June 2009 Village newsletter. We also plan on distributing information packets, making the Homeowner's Guide (Attachment F) widely available to property owners and adding a section to the Village website where information can be obtained. Additionally, our Gypsy Moth display for the Public Works Open House will be expanded this year. (Note that the Open House will be held on Saturday May 16,2009 from 9AM untillPM.) Summary / Recommendations What we've learned from other municipalities' past experience is that Gypsy Moth can multiply very rapidly. In a short number of years a small infestation can become a widespread problem H:\Forestry\WORD\2009\MEMO-GM-BRD-UPDA TE 3-10-09.doc causing extensive tree defoliation and wide-spread public concern. We feel that the best way to manage Gypsy Moth in Mount Prospect at this time is to treat every known infestation while populations are still relatively low. Therefore I request that, at the Match 10, 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Village Board considers approval of the above-mentioned control measures for spring and summer 2009, for both public and private trees. Later we will place traps and conduct another egg mass survey at the appropriate times to determine the success of the treatments. ~~ I~#t1- bIen R. AndIe . Public Works Director Attachments A. Map of U.S. Spread B. Map of Mount Prospect Larval Finds and Trap Locations C. List of Mount Prospect Trap Locations/# of moths' D. Map of Mount Prospect Larval Finds and Egg Masses E. Village Code excerpts F. 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"'" ~ Q.. :S o E ~ ~ ~ ~ 0- & -s: & ~ lI) ~ uj :.c: i :::::: ~ .s::: C ro a:: "C c: ro (ij E 'c <( lX) o o N o c<) g-l (f)~ I ~ .a "S o .;:: Cl <( - o C Ql E t:: ro Q. Ql o rn Ql Iii Ci) "C 2 'c ::> Village of Mount Prospect IYr -T ~, 7/~ ~ ~ ~~-~~ --y I..... Attachment B ~r ~ ~l L: ~~ ~ ~ /7 ~" 4. ~ "' ~ ~ ~~~-n. ~~l y ~).-~ t; c:\ ~ ~.g" ~ -, -- ' ---,:r~t~. .... ~ 7 ~ \:L.} ~ r-'I.Jl ci..l .. : ~ -1& 0) 'JJt ~ ...~ ~ ~~ ~~ -.:.., 1 ~ -~ ~n __ ~ "m ~ ~ I~ 10 16 1 \\.. ~ ~ ~ ~ -IY I .., 1- It) ~~ bQ~Y J...J.. .. 11 }- I I 4 12 il;; ~ I-~ -I ~....~ .. 1;1 16- 16.3 V' A r ~. ~"" ~ 1--"" ~k;; ~ ~ I"~ ~~r2v ~.;~ ~~ ~ f 1 l==== ff1 1'-1]l ~ ~ """ .. J 1. I \]i! .. ]l ~ ~, ,;l ~h- ~ .41 -=- WDFRb ( I ~ ~d- ~ ~c ]~~ ,~r:... I -n ~ FT" ~ 11 CS~ '~ ~~~ ~~ ) "nr- ~ L 'll.. ~ UcrONS 1'1 N W+E r.:""\ J.n ~ ;.,-/ r:=1 1 ,~ ~2L E~~'" = s - f-o _ f-o ~ - ~~ ~ GYPSY MOTH FINDS & TRAPS SUMMER 2008 . LARVAL FIND o TRAP Map as of 03-04-09 Printed by GS/PW Path:G :\GSProjects\FORESTRY\Gypsy Molh\FORE STRY.mxd Date Installed July, 2008 Gypsy Moth Study Trap Locations Attachment C Date checked: Checked/Removed: 8/19/08 9/2-9/03/08 Trap # Address Species Cell # # Moths in Trap # Moths in Trap Total 1 1903 Maya (Sect 1) Blue Ash 4 165 1 166 1800 Bur Oak on Burning 2 Bush (Sect 2) Norway Maple 22.1 269 4 273 3 1829 Bittersweet (Sect 3) Linden 4 329 1 330 4 1101 Westgate (Sect 4.2) G. Ash 1 166 0 166 510 N Elmhurst Ave 5 (Sect 5.4) Blue Ash 7 263 0 263 6 304 N William (Sect 6) Locust 4 132 0 132 7 200 N Elm (Sect 6) Red oak 6 232 1 233 101 N Owen on E Thayer 8 (Sect See 6) Hackberry (park) 22.1 118 2 120 9 1411 E Thayer (Sect 7.3) Linden 6 230 0 230 10 21 S Owen (Sect 8) Linden 5 318 2 320 11 215 S. Owen (Sect 8) W.Ash 2 185 3 188 12 320 S School (Sect 9) E. Oak 22 67 1 68 13 302 S Emerson (Sect 9) Tree Lilac 4 123 0 123 319 S Main on Lincoln (Sect 14 9) R. Maple 12 88 1 89 15 608 S Maple (Sect 9) Linden 2 210 1 211 16 610 S Main (Sect 9) Linden 5 233 6 239 17 900 S. William (Sect 10) E. Oak 10 201 3 204 18 501.1 Man A Wa (Sect 11) Blue Ash (park) 4.5 264 8 272 19 803 HI Lusi (Sect 11) Locust 7 182 4 186 20 1016 Cypress (Sect 12) Hackberry 3 80 2 82 21 1306 Tamarack (Sect 14) Norway Maple 4 37 2 39 22 700 Crestwood (Sect 15.2) Sil. Maple 3 110 2 112 1800 Rusty on Crestwood 23 (Sect 15.2) Linden 8 137 1 138 24 411 We Go (Sect 16) Sugar Maple 6 213 4 217 25 20 N Waverly (Sect 17) Norway Maple 4 186 3 189 4538 52 4590 H:\Forestry\GYPSY MOTH\GYPSYMOTH- TRAP .xls Village of Mount Prospect Attachment D - ~~~~ ~ 5 1 ~~ ~ ~ - 54 6 17 ~ ~ ~.'?'i " .. ""llii~ .. ....01 rl :fitrRJJ n ~......' \ .: " ~ e = ==0 "1~ ~ 0=> lIIl E ~ 1 .1 ~ ~ n 16. "" .., .l \. 4, '-' = Wi 15.f T I ~ ~ r n T ~ ~ " ,.. ~ ~, LINCOLN /1~ = II .- '.;' 9 1E.3 v~~ = I~ . r- C ~ 0:: -- ~v~.- ~~ ~v }w ~5.2 5 en ~'= en "- ::Il ::) - ~~, I m . . ~ ~ % . . ~ Ii = '=-= ~ . l '~R t> .... - - - -- ~ ~~ i==o ~ ~~ ~ ~ ..) ~ r- ~ :& ~r---. ~ [DjJ<< = .... l ~~~ tJ) ;c==- o:: n , r= ::) N W+E S GYPSY MOTH LARVAE & EGG MASSES 2008/2009 Map as of 02-27-09 Printed by GS/PW Path:G: \GSProjects\FORESTRY\Gypsy Moth\FORESTRY.mxd . LARVAL FIND (SUMMER 2008) A EGG MASSES (JANUARY 2009) Attachment E Excerpt from current Village of Mount Prospect Code: 9.714: GYPSY MOTH CONTROL: Trees or parts thereof, in a condition or within a designated or quarantined area, that are infested with any developmental stage of the gypsy moth, as determined by the state of Illinois or the United States forestry service (as a division of the United States department of agriculture), are declared to be public nuisances. It shall be unlawful for the person owning property whereon the same is situated to possess or keep the same. Additionally, any property that may be considered as having transported gypsy moth egg masses such as camping equipment and vehicles from a gypsy moth quarantine area is subject to be inspected. Any gypsy moth egg masses transported in this manner shall be the owner's responsibility for safe and effective removal and elimination. (Ord. 5253,5-21-2002; amd. Ord. 5260, 6-18-2002) H:\Forestry\GYPSY MOTH\Code.doc C1370 Gypsy Moths T'hreaten Illinois T'rees l 1 I . Gypsy moths are among the most destructive forest and landscape pests in the United States-and they may soon begin stripping the leaves from oaks, crab apples, poplars, and other trees in your hometown. Mature females lay their eggs in late summer, James Appleby but most gypsy moth dam- age occurs in May and June when the cater- pillars feed on leaves. Within the two months it takes the caterpillars to reach maturity, they can defoliate entire neighborhoods. Defoliation can kill some species of trees within a year. Most of the time, though, gypsy moths kill trees by weakening their resistance to other pests. Oak trees are most vulnerable to gypsy moth devastation, but the caterpillars will feed on up to 500 other types of trees and shrubs if oak leaves are scarce. When deciduous trees are stripped of their leaves, many species will try to refoliate (grow new leaves) during the hot, dry midsummer. These weakened-and often drought- stressed-trees are vulnerable to insect borers and opportunistic diseases that otherwise would not cause serious damage. When decid- uous trees are defoliated in two or three con- secutive years, many will die. Evergreen plants may not survive the first year's defoliation. Why haven't Illinois homeowners heard about gypsy moths before? Until recently, , ~ Oak leaves ate gyps~*,moths' .... ""'; preferr~(;r food, b. f.y can "' iW,.'Wf "make, do" with a ' I' ' 00 ., !. other types of tPe ; u bs, andJandscape pla I oa~ leaves are in S~'6T~ppl~, s Forest stripped of leaves by gypsy moths. Illinois had very few gypsy moths. The insects originated in Europe and were brought to New England in the mid to late 1800s. Mature females cannot fly, so it has taken more than a century for large gypsy moth populations to move as far as Illinois. Although they migrate slowly, gypsy moths are impossible to eradicate once they are established. The moths have few natural predators in North America, and pesticides have proven relatively ineffective at eliminat- ing them. Michigan has had a serious gypsy moth problem since the 1980s, and several Michael R. Jeffords > ...... ...... ~ a P'" 3 C1l ~ ...... "Tj Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois counties have also been quarantined in recent years. (For more on quarantines, see page 3.) The Chicago area has seen Illinois's first "wave" of damaging gypsy moth infestations, but isolated outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the state as well. Gypsy moth popu- lations in any affected area will fluctuate over tlme. The initial gypsy moth outbreak is likely to cause the most damage to Illinois trees. Mter the first infestation runs its course (in perhaps three to four years), subsequent out- breaks may be less severe. . SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE SPECIES GROWN IN lLLlNOlS: ( SOME SPECIES THAT ARE 1:-"", SOMEWHAT VULNERABLE TO GYPSY Mo.THS: SOME SPECIES THAT ARE MORE RESISTANT TO GYPSY MOTH INFESTATION: ,. r~/ L l'l Oak n Apple and Crab Apple Aspen" Cherry ( Hawthorn Pear Plum Poplar River Birch White Birch Willow , ~ r Cottonwood Elm Hickory Maple Pine Redbud Sassafras Spruce I:Il:O I::iI a III Arborvitae Ash Balsam Fir Black Walnut Catalpa Locust Red Cedar Sycamore Tulip Poplar Walnut J Life Cycle of the Gypsy Moth* Michael R. Jeffords I I I I I r female (actual size) USDA/APHIS Adults Eggs Michael R. Jeffords -_.,,/--:- 1,:- ~ /1'[,1'1 ~ ~:;.I I et.~ t;~ I "~ ~J J ,'. \\~ :'1'1'11 ~ ~~~ //1 I ,,~ f/tf.:,/, ~ fjJ/fI.~'{/ '1IJJ.lt~/;J.I~ i'I!"I'!III" 1\1~~1 Michael R. Jeffords feed in the treetops at night but migrate down the trunk to the ground each day to protect them- selves from heat and birds. (See page 4 for tips on trapping gypsy moth caterpillars.) * Note. Due to differences in climate, gypsy moths in southern Illinois reach each stage near the beginning of the time period and gypsy moths in northern Illinois reach each stage near the end of the time period indicated in the life cycle chart. ed areas. The most heavily infested areas are under quar- antine, and nursery stock, recreational vehicles, and Christmas trees from these areas should be carefully inspected before they are brought into Illinois. As of 200 1, infested areas included all of Michigan, much of eastern Wisconsin, and parts of northern Indiana and Illinois. J Gypsy Moths Moving into lllinois Adult moths emerge from pupal cases and are prefent in July and AugusC Females have tan bodies and cream-colored wings, but they cannot fly. Males are smaller, dark brown~ and have feathery anten- , nae, and they are good flier In mid to late summer, female moths lay egg masses on any convenient surface-tree trunks or ... branches, fences, automo- biles, firewood~ and so o~he egg mas~is cov- ered with tan or b~ff-col- ored h}irs. Eggs do ~ot hatch uniil the following spnng. Because adult female gypsy moths do not fly, the moths have been slow to spread as far west as Illinois. But they're here now, at least in the northeastern part of the state, and officials are taking steps to slow their spread to the rest of Illinois. Gypsy moths can easily be carried into Illinois on campers and motor homes that have spent time in infest- Pupa'e. In June or e~YJuly, caterpillars stop ~ating foliage and change Thto pupae, the transition stige between larvae and moths. ~ Pupae usually are found in crevices in the tree trunk or on larger branch- es. Pupae are dark brown, shell-like cases about I to 2 inches long and sparsely covered with hairs. drvae In April and.May, the larvae hatch ftort the eggs. It is during"';he larval stage that ." gypsy moths damage trees. Newly hatched larvae are about lIS-inch long, hairy, and mostly dark brown to black. The larvae are vora- cious feeders and can reach up to 3 inches in length. Larger larvae have blue and rusty red spots on their backs. They typically .cOT"O\~ 6113 a jellordS t-J\iCnae\ n. J)!J JJ/, r --. ~ If you have been vacationing in an infested area, inspect your vehicle as you re-enter Illinois. Be sure to check wheel wells and other places that are hidden from view. Remove and destroy any egg masses, larvae, or mature moths you may find on the surface of the vehicle. ,JJfJfYtrJ . [!IInril mfi7.1\@fi? ~r!rfi tUJl./J, 0YJJji~J 1djj~1)I.~jUe~ 2 . Homeowner's Guide tor the Gypsy Moth in lllinois USDA/APHIS I / II . /, " '''' ~ \ .. .. ~ \ '" ~ '\ " . , \ .... / . I ~ ~en spotlinfestations of gypsy moths are too large or numerous to be eradicated, counties are quarantined by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). Quarantines have little direct effect on homeowners, except to put them on notice that gypsy moths have become a problem in their area. Lake County was the first area of Illinois to be quarantined, in July of 2000. Much of the Chicago area, as well as some downstate counties, face the threat of quarantine. Gypsy moth populations tend to migrate at the rate of about 15 miles per year, but they may move more quick- ly into downstate areas that are near rivers. When a spot infestation is reported to IDOA, a state inspector may be sent to assess the extent of the problem. IDOA is monitoring the gypsy moth's movements within the state and is working with local jurisdictions to coordinate treatment efforts. Once a gypsy moth quarantine is issued for a particular county, movements of com- mercial nursery stock, Christmas trees, and other plant materials outside the quaran- tined area will be regulated by IDOA. If you live outside a quarantined area and you find evidence of a gypsy moth infestation, do not try to treat the problem until you have called the IDOA's toll-free hotline at 1-866-296-6684. Hot- line staff members will offer guidance on how to capture and dispose of the pests. IDOA may send an entomologist to your neighborhood to see whether the infestation is localized or more wide- spread. When the number of gypsy moths ... --- in a particular area exceeds a certain threshold, a quarantine will be issued. If you live within a quarantined area, insecticides can help you minimize the damage caused by gypsy moths. A soy- bean oil product, Golden Natur'l Spray Oil, has proven successful in destroying gypsy moth egg masses. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (or Btk) is a biologi- cal insecticide available in most garden centers that can be used to kill small cater- pillars. To be effective, Btk treatments must be applied at just the right stage of the gypsy moth's life cycle (the small larval stage), so it is important to keep an eye out for egg masses. Local pest-control companies can obtain other insecticides that also kill the caterpillars effectively. Entomologists recommend that homeowners contract with pest-control professionals to treat infested trees. Professionals have the equipment neces- sary to apply insecticides to the tops of the trees, where gypsy moth larvae feed. Without the right equipment, home- owners will not be able to apply treat- ments properly and are not likely to do much good. While it appears certain that large populations of gypsy moths will eventual- ly damage trees throughout Illinois, homeowners can do a lot to postpone the inevitable. See page 2 for tips on slowing the spread of gypsy moths from areas out- side of Illinois, and see below for advice on protecting your trees from gypsy moths and other threats. . If you live outside a quarantined area and you find evidence of a gypsy moth infestation, do not try to treat the problem until you have called the lUOA's toll-free hotline at 1-866- 296-MOTH (6684). Hotline staff members will offer guidance on how to capture and dispose of the pests. Although IDOA successfully eradicated hundreds of small gypsy moth infestations since the 1970s, pressure from growing popu- lations in neighboring states has allowed the pest to establish itself in Illinois. There is no way to eradicate the moths from individual land- scapes or neighborhoods, but homeowners can take action to minimize gypsy moth damage even before the moths are sighted in their area. . Plant trees, shrubs, and landscape plants that are well suited to your location. Consider soil type, drainage, and other factors that will influence the plants' ability to become established and remain healthy when stressed. . Choose new plants that are disease- and insect-free. CarefUlly inspect plants before adding them to the landscape. . Plant a wide variety of species. Trees and shrubs that are resist- ant to one type of pest frequently are vulnerable to others. . Thoroughly water trees and shrubs during dry periods. . Fertilize trees and shrubs as needed, but don't overdo it. Check with a qualified landscape professional to see what type and level of fertilization is right for your trees and shrubs. . Avoid injury to tree bark. Consider cover- ing the bottom few inches of the trunk with a loosejitting protective sleeve to pro- tect the tree from dam- age by mowers and trimmers. Ken Law, USDNAPHIS . Selectively prune branches that are dead, dying, or rubbing together. . Look for egg masses on tree trunks and other outdoor surfaces, such as picnic tables, chairs, eaves, overhangs, and siding. If you see signs of gypsy moth infestation and are not in a quar- antined area, call 1-866-296-6684. If you are in an area that has already been quarantined by the State of Illinois, hand-pick and destroy egg masses. Destroy the egg masses by burying them under at least 6 to 12 inches of soil, burning them, or wrapping them securely in plastic and putting them in the garbage. You can also kill egg masses with a soybean oil product (Golden Natur'l Spray Oil) available through many local garden centers. Homeowner's Guide to the Gypsy Moth in lllinois . 3 .. ~ Frequently Asked Questions . There are a lot of mature oaks and other vulnerable trees in my neighborhood. Are they all going to die? It's not likely that all of them will die, but some of them probably will. Many neighborhoods and forests in the eastern United States have had off-and-on gypsy moth infes- tations for more than 100 years, and they still have plenty of beautiful trees. However, the relative num- ber of oaks and other vulnerable species growing in those areas has declined over time. . I've found some tan egg masses. What's the best way to collect and destroy them? If you live in an area that is not yet under quaran- tine, do not scrape off the egg masses right away. Call the Illinois Department of Agriculture's (IDOA's) Gypsy Moth Hotline at 1-866-296-6684, and officials will tell you how to proceed. IDOA may send a staff member to your neighborhood to assess whether the problem is isolated to your yard or has spread within a wider area. If you live in a quarantined area, use a small trow- el to scrape the egg masses off of the tree bark or other surface. Scrape them directly into a sturdy plastic bag, seal it, and throw it in the garbage. If you prefer, egg masses may be burned or buried under 6 to 12 inches of soil. Golden Natur'l Spray Oil, a soybean oil product, can be used to destroy egg masses as well. This product is available at many local garden centers. . I see caterpillars in my yard. How do I know whether they're gypsy moth larvae? Gypsy moths are in the caterpillar stage only from April through June. Larger gypsy moth caterpillars will have the distinctive pairs of blue and rusty red dots that are not found on any other species. . I've found some caterpillars that appear to be gypsy moths. What should I do? Call the mOA's Gypsy Moth Hotline at 1-866-296-6684. The Department of Agriculture monitors gypsy moth infestations in Illinois. Hotline staff will ask you some questions about what you have found and give you specific instructions for your particular situation. I i . I . Is there a way to trap gypsy moth cater- pillars? Gypsy moth larvae feed in the treetops at night, but they crawl down the trunk during the day as they seek out cooler temperatures and protection from birds. Homeowners can make "burlap-band traps" to catch caterpillars. These homemade traps serve rwo purposes: first, to determine whether your trees are infested by gypsy moth larvae; and second, to reduce the number of caterpillars feeding on your trees. To make a burlap-band trap, wrap an 18- to 24-inch- high band of burlap or other thick material around the trunks of affected trees. Tie a cord around the middle of the band, and let the upper flap drop down so that it covers the lower half of the band. The middle of the burlap band should be placed 3 to 5 feet off the ground. As larvae crawl down the tree during the day, they hide berween the flaps and get trapped. Burlap-band traps need to be checked every day. Destroy the trapped caterpillars by placing them in soapy water or freezing them. Remember.. . Remember that if you live in an area that is not yet quarantined for gypsy moths and you find larvae in your trees, the first step is to call the IDOA's Gypsy Moth Hotline at 1-866-296-6684. f 4 feet . Isn't there some kind of spray I can use to get rid of gypsy moths? Cultural controls, such as egg-mass collection and hand-picking of caterpillars, should be the home- owner's first line of defense against isolated popula- tions of gypsy moths. Some insecticides are effective against gypsy moths as well. Timely application of the biological insecti- cide Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (commonly referred to as Btk) may kill gypsy moth caterpillars that are less than an inch long. However, Btk will have no effect on eggs, larger caterpillars, pupae, or mature moths. When used, Btk is best applied by a trained, licensed pesticide applicator. Pest-control professionals may also apply other insecticides that have proven effective against gypsy moths. . Are there any biological controls that naturally destroy gypsy moth populations? One of the most effective natural enemies of the gypsy moth is the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga (also known as Em). Em is a safe biological control; while it is very effective against gypsy moth popula- tions, it poses little risk to other insects, and it does not affect animals or humans. . Entomophaga maimaiga's life cycle is similar to that of the gypsy moth. During the winter, Em lies dor- mant as resting spores in the soil or on tree bark. In the early spring, the spores germinate and release infectious spores, or conidia. Caterpillars can become infected with Em through contact with either the rest- ing spores or the active conidia. Once gypsy moth lar- vae develop the disease, they usually die within seven to ten days. Entomophaga maimaiga cannot be artificially introduced into locations but, rather, spreads natu- If you live outside a quarantined area and you find evidence of a gypsy moth infestation, do not try to treat the problem until you have called the IDOA's toll-free hotline at 1-866-296-MOTH (6684). Hotline staff members will offer guidance on how to capture and dispose of the pests. 4 . Homeowner's Guide to the Gypsy Moth m lllinois rally along with gypsy moth populations. Once Em is established in an area, it can be spread by piling dead caterpillars around tree bases. The dead cater- pillars are the source of fungal spores that infect healthy gypsy moth larvae. Another important biological control is nucle- opolyhedrosis virus (NPV). Like Em, NPV infects and kills gypsy moth caterpillars but not other pests, animals, or humans. Natural spread is the virus's pri- mary mode of transmission, but NPV is also avail- able to some federal and state authorities for use in gypsy moth control programs. Aerial application of NPV has been partially successful in suppressing large, dense gypsy moth populations. . How can I be sure Tm not buying trou- ble when I purchase new trees and other landscape plants? Buy landscape materials only from reputable nurs- eries and garden centers, and carefully inspect the materials before you take them home. IDOA regularly inspects trees sold by nurseries located in quarantined counties of Illinois. Trees from out-of-state nurseries are subject to inspections by plant-health regulators in those states. While regulators in Illinois and neighboring states take the gypsy moth threat seriously, egg masses, caterpillars, or mature moths may find their way into a shipment of trees after the trees have passed inspection. For that reason, it is essential for homeowners to watch for signs of gypsy moths on new plant material, even if the items were recently inspected and approved for sale. . Do I need to worry about gypsy moths if I buy firewood or a live Christmas tree? Gypsy moth eggs may be present on firewood, Christmas trees, or other materials that are grown or stored outdoors. Egg masses are tan and fuzzy and are usually about the size of a quarter. Each egg mass may contain up to 1,000 eggs, so it is important to pick and destroy any that you find. Homeownl~r~ ~%.;~ Gypsy Mi{1S~ h: ,fde to the !It :#' n lllinois iif!j % Charles Helm and Michael Jeffords, Content Consultants, Illinois Natural History Survey, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Fredric Miller and Philip Nixon, Content Consultants, University of Illinois Extension Jim Cavanaugh and Stan Smith, Content Consultants, Illinois Department of Agriculture Kathy Reiser, Writer; Joyce Atkinson, Editor; Information Technology and Communication Services (ITCS), College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the Univetsity of Illinois Michelle Garland, Graphic Designer, Illinois Natural History Survey Printed at Production Press. Copyright @ 2000 by Board of Trustees, University of Illinois. 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