Destruction of Gypsy Moth Egg Masses (Using Surfactants, Detergents, Oils or Conventional Insecticides) for Quarantine and Community Action Programs²

A series of studies were conducted, beginning in 1976, at the Otis Methods Development Center, Otis ANGB, MA, and beginning in 1982 at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, to evaluate surfactants, detergents, oils, and insecticides as egg mass destruction agents for use in quarantine and community action programs. Surfactants, oils, and detergents tended to be more active when applied in the fall, while conventional insecticides were generally more active when applied in the spring. Some products, especially soybean oil, were highly active throughout the gypsy moth egg stage (July–March). A soybean-oil based product has been registered for this use. A 50% concentration of soybean oil is recommended for quarantine purposes, while a 25% concentration should be suitable for homeowners and arborists.