Charles Putnam
Gypsy Moth Program Coordinator
Montgomery County Government Center
755 Roanoke Street, Suite 1G
Christiansburg, VA., 24073
t: (540) 382-5790
e: putnamcw@montgomerycountyva.gov

Barry Robinson
VCE Agriculture Extension Agent
e: Barry.Robinson@vt.edu

Egg mass density estimates are required for all Montgomery County proposals submitted to the state for its aerial spraying in May, 2009.  Field surveys to estimate egg mass densities will begin in August.   Landowners of properties targeted for surveys will be notified ahead of time to request permission.  Participation in the surveys is optional, and does not imply any commitment to participate in the 2009 spray program.  Landowners of all qualifying properties have until late winter to accept or decline the spraying.

• August 1, 2008 update

  Gypsy moth adults finished laying egg masses in late July to early August.  The egg masses are yellow to buff colored, velvety to the touch and range from dime to quarter size.  They are usually deposited in sheltered locations, such as bark furrows, logs, rocks, eaves, the underside of outdoor furniture, firewood, etc.  Gypsy moths have only one generation per year, so this year’s egg masses won’t produce gypsy moth caterpillars until late April or early May of 2009.

  Homeowners can destroy egg masses by scraping them off into a jar of soapy water, or spraying them with a dormant oil, such as Golden Oil (derived from soybeans).  Destruction of egg masses is best done later in the year after vegetation has thinned and the egg masses are more visible. Of course, many egg masses will likely be beyond the reach of hand sprayers and safe climbing of ladders. Owners of wooded property may choose to hire a pesticide applicator, or participate in the state sponsored aerial spray program.  If you find egg masses around your home or in wooded areas of the county, please report such findings and their locations.
  
  
• June 25, 2008 update

  A lot of gypsy moth caterpillars are dying in some locations, probably from a virus and fungus.

  Surviving gypsy moth caterpillars are looking for places to build their cocoons. If you find caterpillars under eaves, and other sheltered places where you do not want to have cocoons hanging for a year or more, you may want to spray the caterpillars off of your buildings with a hose. The caterpillars are a lot easier to remove than the cocoons

• June 9, 2008 update

  In May 254 acres of forestland in Montgomery County were sprayed by aerial pesticide contractors (via state bid) to suppress the heaviest infestations of gypsy moths in the county.  Pilots sprayed the biological pesticide Btk on four blocks on Brush and Gap Mts northwest of Blacksburg, and the chemical insecticide Dimilin on two blocks on Poor Mt. east of Shawsville.  Maps showing the locations of the sprayed blocks are linked below.

  In the month of June, gypsy moth caterpillars reach their full size of about 1 ½  to 2 ½ inches before entering the pupal or cocoon stage in late June or early July.  The early larva stages are dark in color with orange splotches on the back.  The older caterpillars are distinctively marked by 5 pairs of blue dots, followed by 6 pairs of red dots on their backs, and have striking dark markings on their head that resemble vertical eyespots (see photos of some current – June - growth stages of gypsy moth below).

  If you are concerned about noticeable defoliation of your trees (due to the gypsy moth), there are suggestions for homeowners in the Managing the Gypsy Moth in Montgomery County article.

  Please report any heavily infested or defoliated areas to the county’s Gypsy Moth Program Coordinator, Charles Putnam, or the Agriculture Extension Agent, Barry Robinson.  They can be reached at:

  • Montgomery County Extension Office, Suite 1G, in the county’s government center building located at 755 Roanoke Street Christiansburg 24073
  • (540) 382-5790

• NEW The Gypsy Moth in Montgomery County, VA
• Managing the Gypsy Moth in Montgomery County - Fact Sheet
• Forest Service Gypsy Moth Suppression Treatments for 2008, Eastern Divide and James River Ranger Districts, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
• Gypsy Moth proposal forms, spray block list, pesticide applicator certificate and authorization letter to the FAA.
• Gypsy Moth Suppression Program from the VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• 2008 Guidelines for the Gypsy Moth Suppression Program [PDF]
• Gypsy Moth in Virginia History, status, management, biology, slides and letters. From the VA Tech Dept. of Entomology.
• Slow the Spread of the Gypsy Moth Project Site developed and maintained by Michigan State University and Virginia Tech
• Gypsy Moth in Virginia: An Update - Information from the Virginia Cooperative Extension

• Maps for the Gypsy Moth Supression Program

Below are photos of the eastern tent caterpillar in various stages, not to be confused with the gypsy moth