Gypsy Moth Traps at Work

Approximately 16,000 gypsy moth traps are at work in Minnesota, covering the eastern third of the state. The traps could be tan or orange in color. Traps are essential to the ongoing success of the gypsy moth monitoring program and are used to determine where moth populations are growing and moving. If you are working on a tree that has been trapped, even if the trap is destroyed, please let us know so we can quickly replace it. We have reports that severe storm damage in Pine County has taken down several gypsy moth traps along with the fallen trees so cleanup crews should be extra vigilant within areas of blowdown.

You will notice a handwritten code on the bottom of the trap. This code lets us exactly identify individual traps so we can send one of our seasonal staff to set a new trap in the vicinity. You may handle the traps without protection, the contents are non-toxic. If you notice any moths inside please save the trap, they are a critical piece of our statewide survey.

Report the code on downed traps to the Arrest the Pest Hotline: 888-545-6684.

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