Gypsy Moth Aerial Treatments Planned for Allamakee and Clayton Counties

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 24, 2021) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and program partners, are proposing aerial treatments in Allamakee and Clayton Counties to slow the spread of the invasive gypsy moth. The proposed gypsy moth mating disruptant would be applied in late June.

In Allamakee County, the proposed treatment sites include two rural areas around Black Hawk Point and Lansing Wildlife Management areas totaling 5,018 acres. In Clayton County, treatments will focus on a 590-acre site including Marquette and the surrounding rural area. Trapping data has identified these spots where gypsy moth populations are starting to grow.  

The aerial-applied mating disruptant inhibits male gypsy moths from finding female mates. The product is certified organic under the USDA’s National Organic Program and is a biodegradable formulation specifically targeting the gypsy moth. An online video presentation about the gypsy moth, proposed treatments, maps of the treatment areas, and other information are available at iowagypsymoth.com.

The European gypsy moth is capable of feeding on over 300 species of trees and shrubs, with a preference for oaks. During outbreaks, gypsy moth caterpillars are capable of stripping the leaves from host trees over wide geographic areas and can be a public nuisance during an outbreak. Repeated defoliation can leave a tree vulnerable to diseases or other pest infestations which can lead to tree death.

Comments on the proposed treatments are being accepted through April 15, 2021. Public comments should be submitted in writing to:

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Entomology & Plant Science

2230 S. Ankeny Boulevard

Ankeny, Iowa 50023

entomology@iowaagriculture.gov