Gypsy Moth


The Gypsy Moth has become well established in northeast Wisconsin. Populations of the moth in De Pere have risen to levels where we have contracted for an aerial spray in past years in areas of high populations. These sprays, done with cost share grants from and in conjunction with the WDNR, will help to keep numbers lower and limit defoliation in these select areas. They were not meant to eliminate the presence of the gypsy moth, but were used as one tool in its control. We will continue to evaluate moth populations and determine if an aerial spray is necessary.


Oaks are the preferred hosts, but many species of trees and shrubs are defoliated by the gypsy moth when the preferred host trees are not available. Other trees that are attacked and somewhat favored are: apple, birch, beech, cherry, hickory, maple, pine, poplar, spruce and willow trees. In De Pere we have trapped, surveyed, oiled and aerial sprayed to help monitor and control this pest. We will continue to monitor and help control the gypsy moth infestation, but other methods of locating and controlling this pest will require help from the city's residents. Please monitor your own trees and contact the City Forester with any outbreaks.


Gypsy Moth is a potentially devastating insect in our area and Spring/Summer is a great time to find and destroy caterpillars, pupae and moths. A popular method is to use burlap skirts on your trees. When the caterpillar, pupae or moth hide under the burlap, you should eradicate them at that time. Fall/Winter is a time to identify another stage of this pest. Gypsy moth egg masses can be spotted and dealt with in our trees at that time. For more information on this exotic pest in our area, please contact the City Forester at 339-8362. You can also take part in the checking of burlap at a City park. Please contact the Forester if you can volunteer your time or have a group that could help out.


The following sites may have particular value in relation to the gypsy moth problem in Green Bay, the Fox Cities and Wisconsin.

http://www.gypsymoth.wi.gov
http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/gypsymoth/index.cfm
http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/morgantown/4557/gmoth/

 

Oak Wilt & Dutch Elm Disease


The City of De Pere has adopted an ordinance declaring certain diseased plants and trees to be a nuisance and providing an abatement procedure. The ordinance was adopted to assist in the control of Oak Wilt disease & Dutch Elm disease which has been detected in the past in Northeastern Wisconsin. It is strongly advised not to trim any Oak or American elm trees from April 1st - September 1st. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the City Forester at 339-8362.