Suppression program pesticide information

There are a variety of insecticides that can help control gypsy moth populations. None will completely get rid of the pest. Licensed pesticide applicators will consider several factors when choosing which product to use.

The Wisconsin Gypsy Moth Suppression Program commonly uses the insecticide Foray ®, with the active ingredient BtK, to spray for gypsy moths in the spring. Another product, called Gypchek, is used in areas where there are endangered moths or butterflies, such as the Karner blue butterfly. These products are sprayed from a low-flying plane. The spray is harmless to most people. Those with severe allergies or chemical sensitivities should try to avoid treatment areas when aerial spraying is happening. It is recommended that everyone in the spray area stay indoors during the spray to avoid direct exposure. The spray is sticky and smells a bit like stale beer.

There is plenty of information available about these pesticides. Below is a small sample.

View Aerial Pesticide Applications Fast Facts [PDF].

If you are considering hiring an aerial spray applicator, many helpful tips are available in the DNR’s Guide to Privately Organizing an Aerial Spray [PDF].

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Foray

• Btk Fast Facts [PDF]
  Wisconsin Cooperative Gypsy Moth Program
• Foray 48B Label [PDF]
• OMRI Listing for Foray 48B [PDF]
• Foray 48 MSDS [PDF]
• Controlling the Gypsy Moth with BT [exit DNR]
  Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet
• The Insect Pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis: A Bt Primer [exit DNR]
  Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki [exit DNR]
  Gypsy Moth Management Program
  Ohio Department of Agriculture
• Bacteria [exit DNR]
  Biological Control: A guide to the Natural Enemies in North America
  Cornell University
• Bt: One Option for Gypsy Moth Management [exit DNR]
  Michigan State University Extension

Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus (NPV) and Gypchek

• Gypchek Fast Facts [PDF]
  Wisconsin Cooperative Gypsy Moth Program
• Gypchek Label [PDF]
• Gypchek MSDS [PDF]
• Carrier 0-38A MSDS [PDF]

Pesticides used in ground sprays for yard trees

• Brochure - Selecting A Pesticide For Gyspy Moth Control [PDF, 48KB]