Posted: 06.04.2010
Small orange or green boxes tied onto trees is just one of the signs that summer is approaching in Wisconsin. The boxes are traps set by trappers working for the Wisconsin Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Program to catch gypsy moth, an invasive pest. The program is preparing for the flight of the adult male gypsy moth in July. Female gypsy moths are flightless.
Trappers began setting traps in late May. The goal is to set a total of approximately 29,700 traps in 45 western and central counties by early July. Traps are used as a method of population survey, not as a method of population control.
Two different traps are used for trapping: a triangular delta trap, which looks like a small birdhouse, and a milk carton trap, which looks like a milk carton with a roof. A delta trap can hold up to 20 moths, and a milk carton trap can hold up to 1,500 moths. The type of trap to set depends on where it is set in the state. In areas where gypsy moths are known to be found, most traps are the milk carton traps. Delta traps are usually set in the western third of the state where gypsy moths are not as common. There is no trapping in the eastern part of the state because it is considered generally infested, and trapping does not provide any usable data, Whitney said.
The traps attract male gypsy moths by using the pheromone of the female moths as a lure. The pheromone is undetectable to other insects. The traps will stay in place until the moths stop flying in August. The traps also will not allow birds or small mammals to enter.
If a trap needs to be set on private property and the owner is present, trappers will ask the owner for permission to set the trap on the property. Trappers will wear fluorescent vests and carry an identification card. If the owner is unavailable, trappers will set the trap, and leave an information sheet and a phone number to call for more information.
The gypsy moth in its caterpillar stage is known to defoliate many species of trees and shrubs, especially oaks.
For more information, call the toll-free number 1-800-642-6684 or e-mail gypsymoth@wisconsin.gov.
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