Invasive species like the gypsy moth can often travel and disperse on their own quite well. The MDA is concerned about the artificial spread of gypsy moth through human-aided transport over long distances. The gypsy moth is a federally regulated pest which means that its movement is restricted by federal law. Individual moths are impossible to control, so the regulations are set up to curb the human movement of the pest.
The human-aided transport of gypsy moth is the single biggest factor for the spread of infestations.
 Quarantines
A quarantine is a set of rules intended to prevent the artificial spread of organisms from infested areas to uninfested areas. Quarantines have been established by the states and federal governments to contain known populations of gypsy moths. The quarantines are generally along county lines and are established only after several criteria are met. There are no parts of Minnesota that are quarantined at this time.
Gypsy moths are expert "hitchhikers" and are most commonly transported as egg masses. The female will lay her eggs on any solid surface. The federal government regulates the following list of items that can carry gypsy moths to uninfested areas.
- Trees without roots (e.g., Christmas trees), trees with roots, and shrubs with roots and persistent woody stems, unless they are greenhouse grown throughout the year.
- Logs, pulpwood, bark and bark products.
- Mobile homes and associated equipment (outdoor household articles).
- Any other products, articles, or means of transporting gypsy moths that are not covered by the above list.
Quarantine violations occur when companies or individuals knowingly transport any life stage of gypsy moth (egg, caterpillar, pupa, or adult) out of the quarantined area. Knowingly transporting uninspected or untreated materials out of quarantined areas can lead to civil or criminal penalties.
There can be local gypsy moth infestations outside quarantined areas so no matter where you travel, thoroughly check your vehicles and outdoor equipment before heading back to Minnesota. Whether you are moving to Minnesota or just coming back from vacation, download a self-inspection checklist (PDF) you can use to make sure an unwanted hitchhiker isn’t traveling with you.
   
Regulatory tips for:
Minnesota Residents
- Know the locations of the gypsy moth quarantined area.
- Learn what the gypsy moth looks like in all its life stages.
- Inspect your vehicles and gear for life stages before coming back to Minnesota after spending time in a quarantined area while moths are active.
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Do not move firewood.
- Remove or treat all life stages you find.
- Contact the MDA immediately if you find any gypsy moth life stages.
- Allow MDA staff to place monitoring traps on your property; they are there to protect your natural resources.
Timber Industry
- Know the locations of the gypsy moth quarantined area.
- Train your staff to recognize gypsy moth life stages.
- Log purchasing agents should make sure to:
- Inspect all logs in a shipment.
- Remove and treat all life stages of gypsy moth.
- Complete and distribute an "Accurate Statement."
- Log Inspections should be done by a qualified individual:
- 100% of each log in each shipment.
- All exposed surfaced and crevices.
- Remove and treat any life stage found.
Nursery Industry
- Know the locations of the gypsy moth quarantined area.
- List all out-state stock sources on your nursery certificate application form.
- Verify that all stock received from quarantine regions arrives with proper certification.
- Isolate stock received from quarantined areas from other stock on your premises.
- Train your staff to recognize gypsy moth life stages.
- Inspect all stock you receive to verify that it is free of gypsy moth.
- Consider conducting precautionary treatments of high-risk stock from April-June.
- Contact the MDA immediately if you find any gypsy moth life stages.
Compliance agreements are available to businesses that regularly import logs and nursery stock into Minnesota from quarantined areas. These agreements stipulate handling practices that minimize the risk of introducing gypsy moth and other invasive species.
The Gypsy Moth Unit at the MDA produced two industry videos designed to help workers learn about the gypsy moth and understand how to inspect materials for the pest. More information about MDA's Nursery Inspection program.
MDA Contact
Arrest the Pest Hotline
888-545-6684
gypsy.moth@state.mn.us
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