Below is information that homeowners have found to be helpful in reducing the gyspy moth population on their own properties.

For information on contractors who ground spray for gypsy moths click www.pcpnj.org

Also click here for a Rutgers Fact sheet.

One very important item that the task force recommends each homeowner to do is to closely inspect their property for gypsy moth egg sacs. If there are numerous egg sacs, the homeowner should consider ground spraying for of their property. This can be accomplished soon after the hatching of the gypsy moths before they have done damage to your trees.

Also, homeowners can spray their trees with chemicals available at local garden supply stores.

If at the end of the season in 2008 you notice that there are many egg masses on your property you may call the Public Works office at 609-654-2608 to make sure you are put on a list of the areas that the State needs to inspect for the 2009 spraying.

Another form of control is wrapping the trees. Since the caterpillars come down out of the trees on a regular baisi this type of control is helpful. Homeowners can wrap the trunk of their trees with tree wrap or tape (duct tape works well) & apply tanglefoot to the tape. Tanglefoot is a stick substance that the caterpillas stick to. It stays sticky for most of the season. At the end of the season the tape can be removed & the tree remains unmarked.

Homeowners can also wrap their trees with burlap. The burlap is folded in half & wrapped around the tree. The burlap can be held on with twine. The caterpillars go under the burlap to get out of the heat or on their way back up the tree. The homeowner can go around in the evening & collect the caterpillars that get stuck & dispose of them.

There is also a product called eradicoat which combines both these methods. It comes in a kit with burlap & insecticide (permethrins). The burlap is applied as above & is sprayed with the insecticide.

Once the caterpillars turn into moths, there is not much that can be done. Since the females don't fly, they can be sprayed or killed when they are found.

Once the eggs are laid, homeowners can scrap the masses off & dispose of them. They can also be sprayed in the early spring with horticultural oil. This will help prevent the eggs from hatching.