2009 Gypsy Moth Control Program

Medford Lakes Borough
Resident Notification for the
2009 Gypsy Moth Control Program


Gypsy moth egg mass surveys, conducted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, indicate that gypsy moth populations will be very high during May and June 2009. Leaf feeding by the caterpillars of this pest will cause severe defoliation of many of our trees. Consequently, the municipality has entered into a cooperative control program with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the United States Forest Service. This program is being operated on an integrated approach, utilizing a pesticide with a naturally occurring active ingredient to reduce defoliating populations of this forest pest. The aerial spraying will be employed around residential and recreational areas to reduce tree loss, while natural control agents will be encouraged to reduce pest levels in remote, uninhabited areas.

In your area, only the biological insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (FORAY 76B, EPA Reg.#73049-49) will be applied once by aircraft at a dosage rate of 38 B.I.U.s (64 oz.) per acre by Downstown Aero Crop Service (DEP Lic.#90029), 339 Harding Highway, Vineland, New Jersey. The spray operation is expected to begin on or after May 1, 2009 through June 1, 2009 or until completion. The exact date of application will depend on climatic conditions and the development of the caterpillars and trees in you area. A municipal contract person may be reached at (609)654-8898, 1 Cabin Circle, Medford Lakes to answer any questions you may have about the exact timing and dates of treatment.

To ensure precise placement of the spray material, aircraft will conduct treatments only when there is little or no wind. Daily spray operations normally are conducted early in the morning between 5:30 a.m. and 2:00p.m. and possibly between 5:p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the evening. However, no pesticide application for gypsy moth control will take place between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. during operations Monday through Friday only.

Although B.t.k. has very minimal risk to humans or wildlife, individuals wishing no exposure to either themselves or their children, before or after this one hour no spray shutdown time should remain indoors during the treatment. If you must go outside, wear rain gear or use an umbrella to prevent contact with the spray material, especially if you hear the aircraft working in your area.

Trained personnel from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and our municipality will assist in the program. Pilots will be carefully briefed to insure that the spray material is being applied in the proper areas as directed.

The program is being conducted to protect and preserve the municipalities and your valuable shade tree resources. Your understanding and cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Individuals wishing additional information about pesticides may contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378. For emergencies call the New Jersey Poison Control Information and Education System at 1-800-222-1222. For pesticide regulation information, pesticide complaints, and health referrals call the New Jersey Pesticide Control Program at 1-609-984-6507.

Upon request to the Borough Clerk at 654-8898 or email at markjmc@comcast.net , the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time. Additional information about the program is also available on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/gypsymoth.html