Source: NCDA&CS, 1/27/20

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking input from residents and other interested parties in Yancey County concerning planned treatment activities for the non-native, highly destructive gypsy moth.

The meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Yancey County Public Library, 321 School Circle, Burnsville. Treatment options for a proposed 10,500-acre treatment block located in Yancey County, about five miles south of the town of Burnsville, including the township of Pensacola will be discussed.

State Route 197 passes through the western portion of the block. Hardwood forests containing oak, chestnut and hickory are present throughout most of the block.  Both public and private land are part of this block. Mount Mitchell State Park is located south of the treatment block.

In 2018, NCDA&CS trapped three male moths in this block. In 2019, that number increased to 58, signifying that a reproducing population is present. An aerial mating disruptant application is proposed for this block in June.

The impact of a gypsy moth infestation varies year to year. The direct impact of gypsy moth defoliation ranges from barely noticeable to devastating, depending on population density, tree health, and weather conditions. For hardwood species such as oak, mortality of trees in fair or poor health, or those stressed by drought or frost, can occur after two consecutive years of defoliation. Trees that are in good condition will grow new leaves later in the season but are forced to use food reserves intended for the next season. Reduction in tree food reserves reduces their ability to withstand future defoliation or stress.

The most dangerous effect of gypsy moth defoliation is an increase in tree susceptibility to secondary pests such as wood boring beetles and fungi. Older gypsy moth larvae attack conifer species, such as pine, resulting in tree mortality after just one year. The economic burden of a severe gypsy moth defoliation can be great when homeowners are faced with large, dead yard trees that must be removed.

Gypsy moths can also be a nuisance to the general public. In heavily infested areas, caterpillars may crawl on driveways, sidewalks, outdoor furniture, into homes, or end up in pools. Heavy defoliation can affect parks and recreation areas. Some people can have allergic reactions to the caterpillars’ tiny hairs if inhaled.

Options for dealing with gypsy moth infestations include aerial spraying of gypsy moth mating disruptants. Trapping grids will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments.

The department has addressed spot introductions of the gypsy moth in several areas across North Carolina since the 1970s. The department is working with nine other states through the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation and with other state and federal agencies to reduce the expansion of the gypsy moth into uninfested areas of the country.