Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar ) is the most destructive insect pest of hardwood forests and urban landscapes in the United States. The larva of this insect, called a caterpillar, eats the foliage of approximately 500 host plants.
Gypsy moth was accidentally introduced into the United States in 1869 and is now well established in the Northeastern United States. The potential spread of this insect is high. Artificial spread occurs when gypsy moth egg masses (containing up to 100 eggs) and pupae are moved on nursery stock, forest products, equipment, outdoor household articles and all types of vehicles from infested areas to non-infested areas.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) cooperatively conduct a gypsy moth detection trapping program in Nebraska each year. Nebraska's first gypsy moth aerial spray program occurred in 1995. Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki was applied by helicopter to a 206-acre treatment block in Bellevue (Sarpy county).
Past history of gypsy moth positive pheromone traps is as follows:
| 1999: | 9 moths |
| 1998: | 7 moths |
| 1997: | 4 moths |
| 1996: | 4 moths |
| 1995: | 7 moths |
| 1994: | 73 moths |
| 1993: | 8 moths |
| 1992: | 19 moths |
| 1991: | 31 moths |
| 1990: | 8 moths |
The National Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS), Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) home page has more information on gypsy moth on a national scale.