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When moths are detected, a decision must be made whether or not the area in which they
were found will be treated and by what method(s). Decision makers must consider:
- the safety of the treatment to humans, non-target organisms, and the environment,
- the number of moths that were caught in the area,
- the location and number of egg masses or other gypsy moth life stages,
- the history of the infestation,
- the terrain and access to the area,
- the cost of the treatment,
- the chance of achieving complete control in the shortest time,
- the location and number of host trees,
- and other factors constraining the control method being considered.
In most cases, due to the high risk that gypsy moth may become established, a decision
to treat the infested area is usually made.
There are several treatment options. Each option has its own merits and its own
limitations: (click on each link for a more detailed description)
Selecting any of these options is dependent on the numerous factors noted in the first
paragraph. In B.C., gypsy moth management options are evaluated and treatment
recommendations are made, in consultation with scientists around the world, by the Gypsy
Moth Technical Committee of the B.C. Plant Protection Advisory Committee (BCPPAC). This
Gypsy Moth Technical Committee consists of federal and provincial government experts in
gypsy moth management.
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