In 2015, Asian gypsy moths were found in Oregon Department of Agriculture traps located in Forest Park and the Port of Portland. This invasive plant-eating moth does not discriminate. It will devastate whole forests of trees and plants, including native conifers, on public and private land. Because the threat is unprecedented and exists throughout the U.S., a national policy was formed directing state and federal agencies to take steps to eradicate the moth.
Establishment of this pest would result in defoliation of forest canopy leading to increased stream water temperatures and sediment loads that will negatively impact habitat for native aquatics species. When a forest is defoliated, it loses its ability to provide essential ecosystem services such as air purification, water quality, temperature mitigation, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and storm water interception.
Establishment of the Asian gypsy moth would cause private landowners to conduct ongoing chemical treatments to mitigate damage to forestland. It would also increase production costs and loss of markets through quarantines on nursery, horticultural, and forest products, including Christmas tree production.
A regional technical working group recommendation was approved to aerial spray in Portland (Forest Park and St. John’s) this April. We have assembled below a number of publications and fact sheets that you may read and download to better understand the Asian gypsy moth, its threat, and the treatment methods and materials for its eradication:
- Oregon Department of Agriculture Map of Eradication Treatment Areas
- Asian Gypsy Moth – Threat and Opportunity Fact Sheet
- Frequently Asked Questions Trifold
- Technical Working Group Recommendations Map
- National Pesticide Information Center Fact Sheet on Bacillus thuringiensis (Active ingredient in the pesticide)
- Lepidoptera Phenology Graphic (On possible impacts to native Lepidoptera species)
- West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District Roles and Responsibilites Sheet
- Oregon Department of Agriculture Treatment Flier in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese
- Reach the Oregon Department of Agriculture website
- Visit the Oregon Invasive Species Council website
To receive daily updates on the spaying plan, call 2-1-1 for a recorded message updated daily. You may also be transferred from this number to a spokesperson at the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Poison Control Hotline, or Oregon Invasive Species Council, during regular business hours.
To sign up to receive regular calls with spray schedule updates, visit the Oregon Invasive Species Council website.