Gypsy Moth Programme

MAF is doing a number of things to stop gypsy moth from spreading:

• Aerial treatment
• Pheromone trapping
• Ground searching
• Ground treatment
• Vegetation controlled area

Aerial Treatment

Aerial treatment using Foray 48B is one of the ways that MAF is combating the gypsy moth in Hamilton. Other methods MAF is using include trapping, ground searching and spraying and vegetation control. This combination is considered the best way of successfully eradicating gypsy moth and the only way to treat hard to reach foliage throughout the risk area.

• Frequently asked questions about aerial treatment operations
• Practical advice for Hamilton residents on aerial treatment days
• Report to the Hamilton City Council on the Potential Risks of a Spraying programme Using Foray 48B. PDF (265 KB) ]
• Auckland District Health Board health risk assessment report on the use of Foray 48B in Auckland to fight the painted apple moth
• MAF paper setting out the reasons for aerial spraying and investigating alternatives to aerial spraying PDF (83 KB)
• One page summary of the criteria used to set the aerial treatment area PDF (61 KB)

Pheromone Trapping

• More than 700 traps have been placed within 7 km of where the gypsy moth was found, and for 30 km along main arterial roads.
• These traps are used to find other gypsy moths and to work out the size of any new populations.
• The triangular traps are nailed to the trunks of trees that the gypsy moth likes to feed on. They are checked regularly.
• The traps attract male gypsy moths using bait that makes them think there are females in the trap.
• Between November and April, over a thousand extra traps will be put in place to catch any gypsy moths that managed to survive the aerial eradication programme.
• You can help ensure the traps are doing their job:
  • Please do not touch the traps or the insects in them
  • Report any missing or damaged traps - 0800 809 966.

Ground Searching

• Teams of surveyors have already searched all properties within 1 km of where the moth was found for signs of gypsy moth.
• The surveyors carefully check all trees and outdoor structures (like walls and garages) where gypsy moth like to hide.
• During winter, people living in Hamilton have been helping look for the pest by checking their own properties for gypsy moth egg masses.
• An extensive ground search is planned for November.

Ground Treatment

• If any other gypsy moths are found, all plants growing within 50 metres of the affected area will be treated from the ground.
• Ground treatment also helps reach plants that are less accessible from the air - like plants growing under bridges.
• If a private property needs to be treated every effort will be made to contact the householder, this will include leaving information in the householder's letterbox at least a day before a treatment is carried out. However, if the householder is unavailable the spraying will take place and a notice will be left for the householder.

Vegetation Controlled Area

• Since April, people within the controlled area (shaded in green in the map) have been asked not to move any plants or garden waste from outside of the Waikato district.
• Gypsy moth egg masses and caterpillars can be spread if the plants they live on are moved to new areas. 
• Plant material cannot be moved - except lawn clippings - outside of the controlled area shaded in green in the map.
• If you cannot compost, burn or bury garden waste on your own property, then you must take it to one of the following places:

  Horotiu Landfill (Perry Environmental) 
  449 River Road
  Horotiu
  Ph: (07) 829 9678
  Licensed commercial operators only
  8.00 am - 5 pm Monday to Saturday
  12 pm - 5 pm Sunday

  Hamilton Refuse Transfer Station
  Lincoln Street
  Hamilton
  Ph: (07) 838 6586
  7.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Saturday
  12.00 noon - 5.00pm Sunday and public holidays

  Hamilton Organic Centre
  Wickham Street
  Frankton
  Ph: (07) 846 1514
  8.00 - 5.00 pm Monday to Sunday

• These restrictions on moving vegetation will remain in place after the spring programme is completed. Please continue to follow these rules until you are notified otherwise.
• If you live, work or visit within the controlled area you can also help stop the pest from spreading by carefully checking your cars, trailers, boats, outdoor equipment and furniture before moving them outside this area.
• If you are a commercial operator, you can apply for special permission to move plants outside of the area. Before this can happen, an inspector will need to check the material and issue a permit. Call 0800 809 966.

Page last updated: 30 April 2008