Gypsy Moth Project Updates and Next Steps

AWPOA Community,

There have been questions regarding the important topic of Gypsy Moth activity relating to our Ashton Woods Community. The board has been gathering information and continued to do so as of last evening. This Notice will provide an overview of the current state, next steps that are being taken and general information to educate the community.

Current State:
We reached out to WV DNR/DOA and spoke with our point of contact. He confirmed the deadline for the 2023 schedule has been missed and explained the process for the following year. We have a couple of objectives that we will be moving forward with this spring and summer to get the process in place for 2024.

Chemical Applications are not split between Organic and Non-Organic. This requires that people and pets be inside during the spraying. These are the chemicals that are normally used, and the last one is used if WV DNR requires it. Chemicals are characterized by strength/potency.

See the following breakdown with the details that were provided:

a.) BT – can’t be outside. – (more dollars and last less time)
b.) Mimic 2LV (treatment previously used) – can’t be outside. (less dollars and lasts longer)
c.) 4A (minimum), 48B (medium), 76B (hotter) (chemical potency).
d.) Requested by DNR if the request that the others can’t be used. (This was not defined by WV DNR/DOA during our discussion.)

We will look to address the details of the chemicals at the Owner’s Meeting with the WV DNR/DOA representative.

Because WV DNR/DOA treats using a “drop” method from above, it is not possible to treat individual properties while leaving others in the same area untouched.

Next Steps:
1.) WV DNR/DOA is working with approved new contractors, who can apply treatments to individual properties at the property owner’s expense. We will be in contact with them in April to get this list and distribute it to the community for each property owner to contact if they would like to move forward with individual property management.

2.) In July, we will submit the application for the survey/test and will make sure that we provide the WV DNR/DOA the ability to move forward right away instead of waiting until the deadline of Dec. 16th. (same date each year)

3.) We invited the WV DNR/DOA point of contact to our annual Owner’s Meeting this October to provide additional information based on this year’s report, answer questions and provide a general overview.

General information and Links:
Gypsy Moths | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu)
https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/gypsy-moths

Dealing with Spongy Moth Around Your Home or Property – Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dealing-with-spongy-moth-around-your-home-or-property

According to our POC and the above websites: An oak or other hardwood tree that is completely defoliated by spongy moth caterpillars may look as if it’s dead. However, most of these trees will “re-flush” and produce a second set of leaf buds, usually by late July. This second set of leaves will provide enough energy for the tree to survive winter. Severe defoliation does stress the tree, but trees can usually tolerate even complete defoliation for a few years. If trees are affected by other stress factors such as severe drought, disease or poor growing conditions, there is a greater chance severe defoliation will lead to mortality. (see above links for complete information)

Missing one cycle of pest control will not destroy the trees. There actually was an infestation back in 2008, and Ashton Woods properties rebounded without loss of trees per a previous board member who has lived in Ashton Woods for a considerable amount of time.

Each year, the tests provide different results due to the conditions of the previous year. WV DNR/DOA did not find much for the 2021 survey, but in 2022, they did find eggs. In speaking with the POC, the number of eggs discovered was not provided. Each and every year, results are needed. WV DNR/DOA needs 500 egg masses per acre to treat and 1,200 egg masses per acre. As stated by other people that have been involved in this project and reaffirmed by the WV DNR/DOA point of contact, a wet spring would help in killing the eggs. The new survey/test for this year will provide us with up-to-date information and determine next steps for treatment, so the community can vote in October at the owners’ meeting.

Other information:
Looper insect is another species that kills foliage, but does not get treated at this time per the WV DNR/DOA.
Lantern Flies are now in the area, but they have not seen them nor knew they were present. WV DNR/DOA will be coming out to check for egg masses.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We will continue to update the community on the status as we move forward.

Regards,

Jason T. Williams
AWPOA President