Applications occur twice, about a week apart. Application normally takes place early in the day when low winds and high humidity allow the product droplets to land on tree tops where they will be the most effective. A management site will typically be finished before children are walking to school or people are heading to work.
The MDA uses the product SPLAT GM-O for mating disruption. SPLAT GM-O is used in areas where low populations of spongy moth have been detected.
Mating disruption uses pheromone-based products to confuse adult moths and prevent them from reproducing. Mating disruption floods the area with the scent of the female moth and confuses male spongy moths so they cannot find females. They die without reproducing. The product does not actually kill moths.
Pheromones are non-toxic compounds that insects use to communicate. The female spongy moth does not fly and must attract the male moths with pheromones.
SPLAT GM-O is certified by EPA as safe and allowable for use in organic food production. It is made of food grade materials and has the consistency of hand cream. SPLAT GM-O uses pheromone to disrupt spongy moth mating habits without impacting other insects, mammals, or the surrounding environment. SPLAT stands for Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology. GM-O stands for Gypsy Moth Organic.
