1. I heard that "B.t" is only 65% effective, yet
"Dimilin" is 95% effective. Why can't the Township opt for a
program using Dimilin?
By regulation, on the state program, only non-synthetic
pesticides can be used for gypsy moth control.
Dimilin is a synthetic and as such can’t be used on the program without
changing the regulations. (Regulatory
changes require about a 6-month period of time to take effect).
Additionally, the NJDEP pesticide program also has issued “Guidance
on the Aerial Use of Broad Spectrum Pesticides” that specifies that B.t is
determined as “non broad spectrum” and is available for use without
restriction. In order to aerially apply broad-spectrum pesticides, one must
apply for a waiver to the NJDEP for an exemption.
2. Is using traps for male moths an effective way to
decrease next year's caterpillar population? And what about the female
moths? Is there an effective way to wipe
them out after they hatch?
The amount of male moths the traps catch is negligible
when compared to the population in the area.
The males fly to the females, which are flightless (even though they
have wings). One should focus on
eliminating the females in an area by collection because they are the ones
producing egg masses.
3. Brendan Byrne State Park
and Wharton State Park are in close proximity to our
community. Why doesn't the State of New Jersey spray these areas -- since the
caterpillars migrate to our communities from these unsprayed areas.
There are two gypsy moth suppression programs. The NJDA works cooperatively with municipal
governments in suppressing gypsy moth populations. On this program the municipalities directly
pay the aerial vendor for treatments made on the program. The Department applies for federal
reimbursement monies, which they give as reimbursement to the participating
municipalities.
The other program is offered by the NJFS, which is
responsible for treatments on state properties.
Due to budgetary constraints there always seems to be a limited number
of state dollars for use foe gypsy moth suppression activities. Based on limited monies the NJFS must
prioritize areas for treatment leaving parasites and predators to control gypsy
moth populations in the deep woods.
4. What are the effects of drought or, its opposite, extremely
wet weather, on the gypsy moth population?
The gypsy moth fungus
Entomophaga maimaiga, E. maimaiga, has been effective in keeping the
gypsy moth population level at low levels in the state over the last few
years. However the fungus need extremely
moist conditions for activity especially when the gypsy moth is in the
caterpillar stage of its life cycle. During dry springs (as was experienced
over the last couple of years) E.maimaiga activity was extremely low
allowing all of the gypsy moth caterpillars to complete their life cycle mate
and leave egg masses to hatch the next season.
5. After the planes released their spray, I didn't see any
dead caterpillars. How come?
The spray droplets coming out of
the airplane are extremely small 200-300 microns (roughly the size of a period)
and are applied at a rate of ¾ gallon per acre.
The material is not a contact poison and must be eaten by the
caterpillars for it to work. Upon
ingestion, the B.t. disrupts the stomach of the caterpillars, which stop
feeding and migrate off of the trees to eventually die from starvation.
6. Are there any restrictions on my taking personal
initiatives to spray Sevin on the trees on my own property? Wouldn't this
be an effective way to control the defoliation?
A homeowner is allowed to hire a
ground spray operator or spray their property themselves using SEVIN on their
trees. An aerial application of this
material is not allowed in New Jersey
over residential areas based on NJDEP pesticide regulations.
7. How long will it take for me to know for sure whether
some of the trees on my property will "come back" from this year's
blight. In other words, should I hold off on cutting down trees that look
pretty far gone?
When a tree is defoliated, it
will usually put out another “flush of leaves” especially if the tree was not
defoliated the previous year. A property
owner should wait at least a couple of months after the defoliation. However, refoliation by the tree frequently
happens a month after the defoliation