GYPSY MOTH SUPPRESSION PROGRAM

The gypsy moth is a major pest of eastern hardwood forests. Unfortunately, it is permanently established in Fauquier County and will continue to exist at varying levels of infestation. Eradication of the gypsy moth is not feasible; suppression is.

The gypsy moth produces one generation each year. Eggs deposited in masses the previous summer hatch in late April or early May. Suppression treatment (aerial spraying), when required to reduce high populations, is most effective when applied shortly after hatch and when foliation is at least 25%. Emerging larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of oaks and other preferred species until mid-to-late June. The full grown larvae, which can be clearly identified by five pair of blue and six pair of red dots on their back, then enter a 10-day to 2-week pupa stage during which they undergo metamorphosis into the moth form. The moths do not feed: they mate, lay egg masses and die shortly thereafter. The yearly cycle is completed by early August.

For more information, please call Ray Pickering in the Agriculture Development Department at 349-5314

Date Last Modified: 11/05/2009