Population Status
pheromone trap
Gypsy moth populations typically are monitored through one or more state, local, or federal agencies. Pheromone-baited traps use a synthetic version of the gypsy moth mating pheromone to attract and capture male moths. This is the most efficient method of detection and monitoring and is the primary tool used in the National Slow the Spread Project and in the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) detection and eradication program. Pheromone traps are most useful in areas with low and/or building populations where moths have only recently been introduced. They are not useful for monitoring moths in generally infested areas, and agencies cease pheromone trapping after gypsy moth becomes well established.
- Map of 2007 populations in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states (STS)
- For information on national gypsy moth distribution, please see the map available at the National Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS)
Virginia populations, 2007