The gypsy moth is one of North America's most destructive and invasive tree pests. In eastern states with significant infestations, gypsy moth caterpillars have defoliated entire forests and caused millions of dollars of damage to urban landscapes. In North American the gypsy moth range extends from the Canadian Maritime provinces, south to North Carolina, and west to Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) tracks gypsy moth movement into our state. Annually, gypsy moth populations are monitored through a summer trapping program. The goal of this summer monitoring program is to determine the extent of gypsy moth populations in Minnesota and to detect areas with high moth concentrations.
When areas with high gypsy moth concentrations are found, standard treatment protocols are applied to reduce localized infestations to protect our forests, local property values, and our state's vital tourism industry.
Annually, the federal government cooperates with states to update regulations that are implemented to limit the spread of gypsy moth pest populations. Regulatory decisions are based on data collected from the trapping program.
It is illegal to knowingly transport any life stage of the gypsy moth out of a quarantined area. Individuals visiting quarantine areas can help prevent moving gypsy moths by conducting a self-inspection of outdoor items. What you need to know when visiting a gypsy moth quarantined area.
Businesses that regularly move high-risk materials from quarantine areas can apply for a compliance agreement with the MDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This agreement specifies terms of movement to minimize the risk of introducing gypsy moths to uninfested areas.
