First Gypsy Moth Aerial Operation in West Hamilton Completed – Wednesday 8 October.

Suitable weather conditions mean the first aerial treatment against gypsy moth in West Hamilton was completed today at 10.30am.

Favourable weather conditions meant the operation was able to get underway at 6.45am.

“It is fantastic to have the first operation out of the way,” said Robert Isbister, General Manager Gypsy Moth.

“Of course we will be looking for areas we can improve our service, but it is pleasing that the first operation went off as seamlessly as it did.”

Weather permitting the next aerial operation is scheduled for Wednesday 15 October. Seven more aerial treatments are planned before the operation finishes in mid-December.

The aerial operation is one way that MAF is combating the gypsy moth in Hamilton. The programme has been prepared by a team of experts based on information gathered from the male moth found in Hamilton in March of this year and from knowledge of how the pest behaves overseas.

Aerial application of Foray 48B was used successfully against the white spotted tussock moth in Auckland’s eastern suburbs between 1996 and 1997 and is currently proving to be effective against the painted apple moth in Auckland’s western suburbs.

MAF is also undertaking trapping, ground searching and treatment and vegetation control. This combination is considered the best way to successfully eradicate gypsy moth.

The public can find information about the next operation online at www.maf.govt.nz/gypsy-moth or via the Gypsy Moth Information Line 0800 96 96 96.

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