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Media contacts: Kim Schuette: 614.297.2314 or kschuette@ohiohistory.org
For Immediate Release
City of Fremont/Hayes Presidential Center battle gypsy moths.
(FREMONT, Ohio) – The City of Fremont and Hayes Presidential Center are combining efforts to control the spread of gypsy moths within the city. To combat the insect that destroys hardwood trees, officials have contracted for aerial spraying of 86.1 acres of land with Btk, a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils across Ohio. The spraying will take place in two early-morning applications sometime in May. The applications will be made 10 days apart.
The exact date of the aerial spraying cannot be determined in advance. To be the most effective, Btk must be applied after leaves have emerged and gypsy moth caterpillars are actively feeding on them. Weather conditions also are important since Btk must have time to dry on the leaves.
Btk must be eaten by gypsy moth caterpillars to kill them. When eaten, alkaline fluids in the caterpillars’ stomachs leads to formation of a toxin that is lethal only to certain moths and butterflies. The stomachs of humans, mammals, birds, and fish are not alkaline, which is why Btk is harmless to people, pets, and other animals. Btk is an approved control product for use by certified organic gardeners.
Gypsy moths are non-natives insect that are impossible to eliminate. However, its populations must be kept in check in order to protect the well-being of hardwood trees like oak, hickory and birch. In its caterpillar stage, the gypsy moth feeds incessantly on the leaves of these trees. A defoliated tree has no source of nutrition and becomes weak and susceptible to disease and death.
Although past gypsy moth suppression programs in Fremont have helped keep the insect’s numbers in check, the infestation area of the pest has broadened. In addition to being found on the grounds of Spiegel Grove, gypsy moths are firmly established in an area bordered by Buckland and Washington streets (on the east), Croghan Street (on the north), the Norfolk & Southern Railroad tracks (on the west), and Hayes and Cleveland avenues (on the south).
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is located at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont, Ohio. The facility is affiliated with the Ohio Historical Society. Check the Hayes Presidential Center website www.rbhayes.org for a complete list of year-round special events.
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