State Setting Out Gypsy Moth Traps

The Washington state Department of Agriculture has begun its summer trapping program for gypsy moths, which are among the worst of pest insects that damage trees and shrubs.

The agency has installed 500 green boxes throughout Spokane County to trap moths and locate large populations so insecticide spraying next spring will kill the moth’s caterpillars. Statewide, 20,000 traps will be set out.

The pests cause millions of dollars of damage nationwide by eating the leaves of more than 500 species of trees and bushes.

While the gypsy moth has been detected in the state, it hasn’t become a permanent infestation.