| Gypsy Moth Aerial Spray Notice |
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| Shady Cove, Oregon |
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Gypsy Moth Aerial Spray Notice (pdf format)
In 2007, six adult gypsy moths and a breeding population were detected in Shady Cove, Oregon after finding two moths in 2005 and two moths in 2006. The source of these gypsy moths was linked to a RV trailer that recently traveled to the eastern U.S. where gypsy moth populations are generally very high. A gypsy moth egg mass, cast larval skins, and pupal cases were also found on site. These finds indicate a viable reproducing population is present in the area. The Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture has approved a proposal to eradicate this infestation before it can spread any further this spring.
Facts About the Spray Program:
The department proposes three applications of the biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) by helicopter from late April to mid-May 2008 to eradicate the gypsy moth population from the area. Only a small amount of Btk (0.5 gallons) will be applied per acre. It is likely that a small buffer area surrounding this eradication area will receive some Btk, but in quantities much less than the eradication area. Spraying should be completed in less than two hours unless delayed by weather or other unforeseen factors. This schedule is subject to change depending on weather and operational conditions. During the spray project, the following local radio and TV stations will be informed of specific spray dates and any changes in the spray schedule: KDRV-TV, KOBI-TV, KTVL-TV, KCMX (AM 880), KMED (AM 1440), KSHD (FM 99.1), and KRWQ (FM 100.3). Current spray schedule information can also be obtained by calling 1-800-525-0137.
Tentative 2008 Spray Schedule:
1st Application April 29
2nd Application May 8
3rd Application May 20
Facts About Btk:
Btk is a naturally occurring bacterium commonly found in soil. Btk is toxic only to susceptible caterpillars of moths and butterflies. Btk has an excellent safety record. It is not toxic to other insects, birds, fish, or mammals including healthy humans, pets and livestock. It can be applied over water without endangering aquatic life. Ingestion of leaves treated with Btk suppresses the caterpillars' appetites and slows movement. Caterpillars generally die within several days. This insecticide has been used in previous gypsy moth eradication programs in many urban and rural areas in Oregon including: Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, West Linn, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Carver, Salem, Aumsville, Corvallis, Philomath, Eugene, Springfield, Veneta, Bend, St. Helens, Lane County, Douglas County, Cave Junction, Jacksonville, Ashland, Lincoln County, Clackamas County.
The commercial Btk product we propose to use will be Foray® 48B. Foray® 48B is water-based and formulated for aerial application. Foray® 48B is the only Btk formulation with an extensive record of public health studies from similar eradication programs in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and New Zealand. In early 2008, Foray® 48B was certified as an organic formulation by EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) and OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) to be used in organic agriculture.
Btk will not adversely affect livestock if they are sprayed, come in contact with, or eat treated grass or foliage. However, livestock, particularly horses, may be startled by the noise and presence of a low-flying helicopter, possibly resulting in injury. All precautions will be taken to minimize impacts on livestock during each spray application. We recommend that you take steps to consider the safety of your animals which may include confining your animals in a secure area prior to, and during, each application. Each application should take no more than two hours to complete unless weather or other operational factors intervene. If you have specific concerns about livestock, please contact us ahead of time at one of the numbers below.
Environmental Assessment:
An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to assess possible environmental impacts of the proposed program and fulfill federal requirements for cooperative state-federal gypsy moth eradication programs. A copy of the final EA is available under Gypsy Moth at ODA’s Plant Division Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/.
To request a copy, please contact the address below:
Helmuth W. Rogg
Oregon Department of Agriculture, Plant Division
635 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301-2532
Tel.: 1-800-525-0137; FAX: (503) 986-4786; e-mail: gypsymoth@oda.state.or.us
What should I do during the spraying? – Information from Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Public Health Division
Even though the spray is considered safe for humans, we recommend that people stay indoors during spraying, unless it is essential to be outdoors. This is a general advice for the public. If you or someone in your home has a medical problem that you believe may be made worse by the spraying, please consult immediately with your health care provider.
To avoid exposure, we recommend:
1. Staying indoors during and for at least 30 minutes after spraying to allow droplets to settle.
2. Waiting until the spray has dried before touching grass or shrubs. Cover playground equipment, sandboxes, benches, and lawn chairs before the spray or hose them off afterward.
3. Washing exposed skin with soap and water if direct contact with the spray droplets occurs. If the material should get into your eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes.
What about people with weakened immune systems and people with allergies?
Although we don’t have evidence that Btk will affect any given group of people, individuals with leukemia, AIDS, or any other physician-diagnosed causes of severe immune disorders, may consider leaving the spray area during the actual spraying as a precaution. If you or someone in your home has one of these conditions, consult with your physician for advice about avoiding exposure before the spray project begins.
The Btk product contains residues of grains and other foods used to help the bacteria grow. If you have serious allergies to foods or food preservatives, your health care provider may consult with Oregon DHS, Public Health Division, 503-731-4025, or the manufacturer of Foray® 48B, about the exact ingredients (Valent BioSciences, 847-968-4700, after hours 877-315-9819).
Removing Spray Residues:
Foray® 48B is formulated to stick to leaves when dry. There is nothing in Foray® 48B that should cause permanent damage to finishes on cars, buildings, play equipment, or lawn furniture. Spray residue is easiest to remove from any surface before it is completely dry. Once dry, it is important to "re-wet" the droplets by soaking them with water and for cars, a car wash detergent. Allow enough time for this re-wetting to occur. The time required will depend on how long the droplets have been on the surface, whether the surface has been directly in the hot sun, etc. Using a soft cloth or sponge, the droplets can then be easily removed. Repeat this simple process if some droplets remain. This process has proven very effective and has been used by property owners in many areas where Foray® 48B has been applied.
For Further Information:
If you have directly been exposed to Btk and have concerns or questions about possible health effects, wash the affected area and contact the Oregon Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
The Btk product contains residues of grains and other foods used to help the bacteria grow. If you have serious allergies to food or food preservatives, your health care provider may consult with the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Public Health Division, 503-731-4025, or the manufacturer, Valent BioSciences, 847-968-4700 (after hours 877-315-9819) regarding the ingredients of Foray® 48B. Questions and answers concerning gypsy moth spraying and your health can be found at the DHS Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pesticide/btkfacts.shtml
For more information about Btk, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), based at Oregon State University at 1-800-858-7378, or visit their Web site at: http://npic.orst.edu. A pesticide fact sheet for Btk can be found on their Web site at: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/BTgen.pdf
For more information on spray times, dates, locations, gypsy moth, Btk (including studies on Btk and human health) or post-treatment trapping programs, visit the ODA Plant Division Web site http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/ or call the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 1-800-525-0137 or 503-986-4636, or by e-mail.
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