Oakwood Park Association

Gypsy Moth Trap Information

The following is some additional information regarding our discussion of Gypsy Moth traps at the summer meeting.

How the Gypsy Moth Trap Works:
The Gypsy Moth Trap contains a special attractant which releases a highly purified form of the adult gypsy moth pheromone.
Since the female gypsy moth does not fly, she instead releases minute amounts of pheromone to attract the flying male moth for the purpose of mating.
The Gypsy Moth Trap pulls male gypsy moths in from a ¼-acre area to the trap which traps the male moths before they reach the waiting female.

Gypsy Moth Traps should be first hung in early spring. The trap is effective as long as the moths are active and from late April through to late September.
When placing the trap:

• choose a tree and a location on the tree where air currents can circulate the smell of the attractant freely.
• the trap should be hung from a tree or placed on a stand approximately 4 to 5 feet from the ground.
• the south side of the tree is the best location.
• traps can be stored and used over again the next year.
• put lure in a zip lock bag to save aroma during winter storage.