Gypsy Moth

GYPSY MOTH PROGRAM

2008 Gypsy Moth Control Program

Gypsy moth egg mass surveys, conducted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, indicate that gypsy moth populations will be very high during May and June 2008 in certain areas of the state. One of the affected areas is a 249 acre section of Hanover Township. (Click here to see area map.) Leaf feeding by the caterpillars of this pest will cause severe defoliation of many of our trees. Consequently, the municipality has entered into a cooperative control program with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the United States Forest Service. This program is being operated on an integrated approach, utilizing a pesticide with a naturally occurring active ingredient to reduce defoliating populations of this forest pest. The aerial spraying will be employed around residential and recreational areas to reduce tree loss.

In our area, only the biological insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis, kurstaki (B.t.k.) (FORAY 76B, EPA Reg. # 73049-49) will be applied by aircraft at a dosage rate of 38 B.I.U.’s (64 oz.) per acre by Downstown Aero Crop Service (DEP Lic. # 90029), 339 Harding Highway, Vineland New Jersey. Information on the biological insecticide is available from the following documents: Material Safety Data Sheet, Foray 76B Label and B.t.k. Fact Sheet. The spray operation for Northern New Jersey is scheduled to begin May 7, 2008. Residents within the spray area and within 400 feet of the area (buffer zone) will be notified of the gypsy moth control program by first class mail no later than 10 days prior to the scheduled spray date. The exact date of application has yet to be determined, and is subject to change depending on climatic conditions and the development of the caterpillars and trees in the affected area. If you have any questions about the program, please see The List of Common Questions. The Township’s Arborist, Lorraine Konopka, may be reached at (973)515-6695, or via email at LKonopka@hanovertownship.com to answer any questions you may have about the timing and date of treatment.

To ensure precise placement of the spray material, aircraft will conduct treatment only when there is little or no wind. Spray operations normally are conducted early in the morning between 5:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and possibly between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the evening. However, no pesticide application for gypsy moth control will take place during a one hour “shutdown time” determined with the input from officials of any schools in the spray area.

Although B.t.k. use has very minimal risk to humans or wildlife, individuals wishing no exposure to either themselves or their children, before or after this one hour spray shutdown time should remain indoors during the treatment. If you must go outside, wear rain gear or use an umbrella to prevent contact with the spray material, especially if you hear the aircraft working in your area.

Trained personnel from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and our municipality will assist in the program. Pilots will be carefully briefed to insure that the spray material is being applied in the proper areas as directed.

The program is being conducted to protect and preserve the valuable shade trees in the affected area. Your understanding and cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Individuals wishing additional information about pesticides may contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378. For emergencies call the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System at 1-800-222-1222. For pesticide regulation information, pesticide complaints, and health referrals call the New Jersey Pesticide Control Program at 609-984-6507.

Upon request, the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time. Additional information about the program is also available on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/gypsymoth.html