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Adult gypsy moths. REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture is beginning aerial treatments designed to disrupt the mating of the gypsy moth in multiple Ohio counties.

The following areas will be treated starting between June 19 and June 22:

• Allen County - Total treatment of 1,770 acres in the Spencerville A&B block.

• Clark County - Total treatment of 358 acres in the Clifton North block.

• Gallia County - Total treatment of 264 acres in the Gallipolis block.

• Greene County - Total treatment of 59 acres in the Cedarville block and 141 acres in the New Jasper block.

• Hardin County - Total treatment of 943 acres in the Ada A&B block.

• Highland County - Total treatment of 507 acres in the Greenfield block.

• Jackson County - Total treatment of 1,078 acres in the Jackson block and 2,292 acres in the Petersburg block.

• Madison County - Total treatment of 117 acres in the West Jefferson block.

• Montgomery County - Total treatment of 790 acres in the Kettering block.

• Paulding County - Total treatment of 1,009 acres in the Grover Hill.

• Ross County - Total treatment of 51,162 acres in the Richmond Dale block and 741 acres in the Chillicothe West block.

• Van Wert County - Total treatment of 1,014 acres in the Van Wert block.

In all counties receiving treatments, the department will use a single application of the product Disrupt II, applied via low flying aircraft just above the treetops. The treatment involves the placement of tiny plastic flakes infused with the female gypsy moth pheromone into the tree canopy. Six grams, or approximately one-fourth cup, of the product will be used per acre.

All treatments should be completed within three to four days, weather permitting.

Disrupt II does not kill the moth but disrupts the mating process by confusing the male as it searches for a female to mate with, thus reducing the gypsy moth population. Disrupt II is not harmful to birds, plants, pets or humans. More information including a fact sheet, label and material safety data sheet are available by visiting www.ohioagriculture.gov and clicking on “gypsy moth updates.”

Pre-recorded daily updates on planned treatment blocks will be available to citizens by calling (614) 387-0907 or (800) 282-1955 ext. 37, after 5 p.m. Maps of application areas may also be viewed on the department’s Web site.

The gypsy moth is a non-native, invasive species that advanced into Ohio from Pennsylvania and Michigan over the last several years. In its caterpillar stage, it feeds on the leaves of more than 300 different trees and shrubs and is especially fond of oak. A healthy tree can usually withstand only two years of defoliation before it is permanently damaged or dies. To date, 49 of Ohio’s 88 counties have established gypsy moth populations.