Public Meeting in Jackson County to Discuss Gypsy Moth Treatment Plans

One area in Jackson County west of Bellevue is projected to receive treatment this May

DES MOINES – Representatives from the Iowa Gypsy Moth Team will host a public meeting in an area where gypsy moth treatment is planned this spring. All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting anytime between 7 and 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted utilizing an open forum format. IDALS, DNR, and ISU staff will be present to informally discuss the proposed gypsy moth treatment. No formal presentation will be made.

The European Gypsy Moth is a destructive defoliator of over 300 species of trees and shrubs. If left unchecked, gypsy moth infestations can grow rapidly. Repeated defoliation by gypsy moth larvae over several years weakens the trees making then vulnerable to diseases and other insects which can ultimately lead to tree death.

Iowa is one of several states participating in the National Slow the Spread program which is designed to manage this invasive pest by detecting and controlling isolated populations in effort to reduce the rate of the advancing front. Gypsy moth is slowly expanding westward into Iowa, primarily in the northeast area of the state.

The proposed treatment site will be treated with Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), a naturally-occurring soil bacteria commonly found in soils worldwide. Btk will be applied by helicopter in beginning to mid-May followed by a second application within two weeks. The Btk product is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as an organic product and is commonly used by organic vegetable farmers up to the day of harvest.

The meeting is scheduled as followed:

Tuesday, March 6
 Anytime between 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (open forum format)
Bellevue Community Center
1700 State Street
Bellevue, Iowa 52031

For more information on gypsy moth and the proposed treatment, go to http://iowagypsymoth.com.