Ohio plans assault on gypsy moths

Associated Press

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio

Ohio is about to start an aerial assault on destructive gypsy moths, using a special chemical designed to keep them from mating.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture on Thursday will start treating forest areas in parts of the state with a product called SPLAT in an effort to slow the spread of the invasive insect.

Gypsy moths in their caterpillar stage feed on more than 300 types of trees and shrubs, with trees usually becoming permanently damaged or dying off after about two years. Oak trees are especially vulnerable, state officials said.

Gypsy moths have infested 51 of the state’s 88 counties, according to Agriculture Department spokeswoman Kaleigh Frazier.

SPLAT is a synthetic product that mimics the female moth’s pheromones, confusing the males and making it difficult for them to find the females.

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