Gypsy Moth Suppression Program

Gladwin County

Program History & Objectives
Text Box: The cause of Gladwin County’s initial infestation is believed to be the result of a tornado from the Winn, Michigan area in the mid-80’s. By 1987 Gladwin County had their first year of noticeable defoliation and the first treatments for gypsy moth were done in 1989 at the township levels. The first county-wide millage for gypsy moth suppression was passed in 1990, 1 mil for 3 years. A second millage was passed in 1998 for up to 1 mil for 4 years. The program is still in place running on those monies. Gladwin county participates in the Michigan Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program. It is a voluntary program where monies from the Federal Government reimburse the county a percentage of the cost of running a suppression program, including the cost of the spray itself. When trees lose more than 40% of their foliage, they will usually refoliate. The Michigan Suppression Program attempts to prevent defoliation of more than 40% so that the trees do not refoliate. The Gypsy Moth Program objectives are: 1. To protect tree foliage in wooded residential and recreational areas. 2. To reduce caterpillar numbers and therefore reduce the nuisance level for residents. 3. To provide a control option that limits the use of other more toxic application choices.