The "Threat" of Gypsy Moths in the Northwest

The first recorded visit of the gypsy moth to B.C. was in 1912, when it was accidentally introduced to Vancouver in shrubs from Japan. It did not establish here.

(C.Gordon Hewitt, B.C. Entomology Proceedings, 1913 )

"Based on the amount of movement of people and goods between countries in this modern era, it is highly likely that both the Asian and European gypsy moth have been introduced into Vancouver on at least several occasions. The fact is that they are not established in the area indicates that it is more than likely that they would not become established."

Dr.Donald Lee Dahlsten, Professor of Entomology, University of California at Berkeley

"It is strange that cargo ships have been coming here from Asia for many years but only recently has the gypsy moth been given attention. Why haven't there been infestations already if we have a vulnerable forest?"

Dr.Kenneth Graham, Professor, Forest Entomology, University of British Columbia

"In the past 10 years of research into the effects of gypsy moth in Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Canada have observed that this insect has had very little impact on forests. Tree mortality in infested stands has been similar to natural mortality in forest stands."

News release from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, dated February 13, 1992

"Alternative methods for control of Gypsy Moth which are specific to that insect are available, namely the use of traps baited with sex-attractant pheromones, and these should be the methods of choice."

Dr. Rory P. Finegan, Biologist, University of Victoria