Checking for pesticides in surface water

Chris McGann

Communications

Katie Noland measures stream-flow in Burnt
Bridge Creek.

In the dense canopy above Vancouver’s Burnt Bridge Creek, songbirds fill the fresh spring air with full-throated warbles that almost drown out the stream-flow readings WSDA environmental specialist Katie Noland calls out from the water.

“Point four eight zero,” she says against the trills as she shuffles her boots a little deeper, “moving to seven point nine, depth of one point five.”

From the grassy bank on the nearshore, teammate Jadey Ryan enters each detail into the database on a tablet.  

WSDA’s Natural Resources Assessment Section (NRAS) uses these recordings and the levels of pesticides found in the surface water samples to measure stream health in a cross section of streams in Washington.

The work began in 2003 as part of Washington’s response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) listing of some Chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As such, all 16 small streams in the survey this year are considered salmon bearing. That means salmon either develop, pass through, or spawn in the stream during their life cycle.  

Jadey Ryan suited up for a day in
the field

WSDA assesses the potential impacts of pesticides on threatened and endangered species and aquatic ecosystems to evaluate if pesticide use is a limiting factor in the recovery of threatened and endangered species.

We’re gathering general pesticide use data, surface water monitoring data, crop types, and crop location data and using it to identify, evaluate and potentially mitigate impacts to ESA-listed species.

Back at Burnt Bridge Creek

The gently flowing water comes up to the knees of Noland’s chest-high, forest green waders – her summer work attire. She’s here twice a month from March through October. 

From the shade of alders and overhanging brambles near the shallows on the far side, she adds a few notes about the aquatic life she observes. 

“One crayfish,” she says, “and a caddisfly.”

“Got it,” says Ryan. 

Switching roles: Jadey Ryan measures stream flow, Katie Noland records the data. 

Source of pesticides

NRAS tests for everything from pesticides used in agriculture and large scale landscaping to those homeowners use on their lawn. Though some of the other monitoring takes place in streams impacted by urban runoff, most of the streams that are monitored flow through agricultural land. 

This sensor records water
 temperature over time. 

Burnt Bridge Creek is the most urban of the monitored creeks this year.

“There’s a little bit of agriculture up at the headwaters, but it’s mostly urban,” Noland explains.

Surface water in both rural and urban areas could carry pesticides. 

WSDA ambassador

Because of the urban locale and the popular trail along the creek, Noland gets a lot of questions from the public at this site. 

“People see us down here and want to know what we’re doing,” she said. “We keep it pretty simple. We tell them that we’re from WSDA and we’re taking water samples to test for pesticides. That sparks a lot of people’s opinions and interests.”

Noland says people generally give her positive feedback. They make comments like: “Great, I’m glad someone is looking into it.” 

What is a pesticide?

Noland says most people don’t know that pesticide is a broad term that covers a lot of chemicals used by homeowners, government agencies managing lands, and agriculture production. 

The chemicals NRAS is checking for include those that prevent, destroy, control, repel, or mitigate any pest or disease – rusts, rats, bugs or weeds to name just a few. So, the chemicals people think of as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides all fall under the broad category of pesticides. 

Jadey Ryan locates sensors in Burnt Bridge Creek. 

In all, NRAS tests surface water samples for 152 pesticide active ingredients and pesticide breakdown products.

Noland says the pesticides detected in Burnt Bridge Creek are commonly found in surface waters across Washington and many have homeowner and crop uses.

NRAS’ most recent water monitoring report shows there were 76 different pesticide and pesticide-related chemicals detected in 2016. Across 13 monitoring sites statewide, 1,752 pesticide detections were confirmed. 

The findings ranged from the 295 detections at one site to nine detections on the low end. 

Of those 1,752 detections, pesticide concentrations exceeded the WSDA assessment criteria in 108 instances.

When we identify a pesticide as a potential problem for an ESA-listed species, the NRAS team provides information to pesticide users and affected communities through presentations and publications. 

Katie Noland takes water samples for the lab. 

Testing samples

Noland carefully scoops up water samples, pouring them into tinted bottles that will be stored on ice on their way to Washington State Department of Ecology's Manchester Environmental lab for testing. 

“We take a lot of bottles of water out,” says Noland. 

During the fall and winter months, Noland, whose background is in environmental science, collects the data that comes back from the lab and works with the NRAS team to write up the report. 

She says it’s a perfect balance between the field work like she’s doing now, and analysis and writing she also enjoys. She says the field work is great, “but I really, really enjoy data and number crunching.”

You can visit the NRAS publications webpage to read monitoring reports and fact sheets from past years.

A "world of work" in agriculture

Chris McGann
Communications

Eighth grader, Addie Barker calibrates a class F metric weight
set used by WSDA Weights and Measures inspectors.

The white cotton glove on Addie Barker’s left hand gave her the look of a museum curator or gemologist. With a steady hand, the 14-year-old gripped a tiny metal weight with a large tweezer and placed it gingerly on the digital scale next to her laptop.

State Metrologist Leslie German watched attentively, guiding her through each step and adding occasional pointers.

Anything from the room’s temperature or humidity to the manner in which Addie sets the weight on the scale could influence the reading.

The eighth grader from NOVA Middle School had ventured beyond the confines of her Olympia classroom to WSDA’s Metrology Laboratory last week as part of the school’s “World of Work” project. She was there to experience a slice of the work life she might expect if she pursues a science-based career.

State Metrologist Leslie German shows Addie Barker how to log data from a
calibration.

This job shadow is an example of the many opportunities the agriculture industry holds for young people exploring career options – some of which may not be the first to come to mind when thinking of agriculture.

Though farming and ranching are cornerstones and what most people think of first at the mention of agriculture, some might not realize how fundamental science is to the entire agriculture industry.

As such, work in agriculture offers myriad job opportunities for aspiring scientists – careers in chemistry, microbiology, genetics, process management and ecology to name just a few.

The little-known, analytical world of metrology, or the science of measurement and measurement uncertainties, is another example.

It is the heart and soul of WDSA’s Weights and Measures Program, which tests and inspects commercial devices to provide price verification and equity for commercial transactions. The program is responsible for package inspection, public education, fuel quality monitoring, and complaint investigations.

The state Metrology Laboratory provides the verified standards and analysis for Weights and Measures field inspectors.

Without an accurate reference for a gallon or a gram or a metric ton, there would be no way to assure the public and private companies that they are getting what they’re paying for at gas pumps, grocery scales or highway weight stations.

A standard used to calibrate an official scale.

Metrology, a field that is, in a very literal sense, defined by precision, the hard sciences such as mathematics, statistics and physics are paramount.

Addie says she’s just “OK” at math, but when pressed she admitted that she currently carries a 98 percent average in her algebra class.

German, a former educator, said it was encouraging to see a young woman like Addie going into science.

“She really does have interest and I’m really tickled about that,” German said.

If Addie is really inspired by metrology, employment opportunities are plentiful.

Weighing the standards is more complicated than you might think.

“Oh my gosh! there are so many, there are labs at Boeing, medical research laboratories, it’s all over the state,” German said. “You don’t realize it, there are labs everywhere. Every state has at least one lab and a lot of biotech companies have metrologists on staff.”

German is the first woman to hold the position of Washington’s State Metrologist and industry-wide she says women are under-represented.

Although Addie clearly has the mathematical aptitude to pursue a career in metrology, she said parts of the discipline are a bit intimidating.

“I don’t think I’m organized enough to be able to do it,” she said.

But in the precise environment of the laboratory, the soft-spoken teen’s precision and a keen attention to detail shined through as she carefully recorded each observation on a spread sheet and replaced the standard to the rack.

From this observer’s prospective, it seems likely her organizational skills were more than adequate to allow her to pursue metrology or almost any scientific career path if she chooses.

She’ll probably pass her algebra class, too.

Sharing the science of shellfish

Chris McGann
Communications

WSDA Aquaculture Coordinator Laura Butler is working to
support shellfish aquaculture in Washington. 

Aquatic science and problem-solving took center stage at the 26th Conference for Shellfish Growers this week, hosted by Washington Sea Grant.

Scientists, growers, and state and federal agency representatives came together to share research and their experiences surrounding the perplexing lives of shellfish.

Is toxic algae bloom the culprit behind summer shellfish die off?  How can we keep oyster herpes virus out of Northwest waters? Manage ghost shrimp? Cope with ocean acidification and rising sea temperatures?

These were some of the issues panelists explored during the two-day event that took place in the tiny coastal town of Union on lower Hood Canal.

Some answers were clearer than others, and some research findings seemed to raise as many questions as they answered. But for the 167 participants, the event was an opportunity to tap into the expertise of this close-knit, esoteric community to continue seeking solutions.

Where else could you entertain a question like: “Why do some oysters just stop eating?” or “Why do baby geoducks refuse to dig themselves into the sand?”

Biologist Nick Wenzel appreciates the
the opportunity to network with other
aquaculture enthusiasts.

Value of the network

Nick Wenzel is a shellfish biologist with a keen focus on geoducks, a freakishly large clam that boasts a neck more than three feet long and bodies almost double the size of their shells.

Wenzel shared his efforts to try to find out what caused a recent batch of juvenile geoducks to simply refuse to dig in.

He told the audience he wasn’t sure if the problem had to do with something in the water or if it was something more, motivational.

He said the conference and others like it are an important resource, because geoduck farming is such a young industry.

“The best part is the networking,” he said. “The people you meet here have a wealth of information and they are willing to share it.”

WSDA supports aquaculture

In 2018, estimates of Washington state
shellfish exports exceeded $126 million. 

WSDA Aquaculture Coordinator Laura Butler wants to help support that critical network of subject matter experts. She was among the panelists, raising awareness about our agency’s relatively new role in supporting the industry through outreach, marketing and networking.

She said it makes sense for WSDA to play a supporting role as a non-regulatory agency working with this industry.

"There is no doubt that shellfish farmers are farmers," she said. "They are just working in the unique environment of the intertidal zone."

A mystery in a shell

The shellfish industry is important to the economic vitality of many small coastal communities. In 2018, estimates of Washington state shellfish exports exceeded $126 million.

But the industry is built around a highly enigmatic animal.

“Oysters are like an alien life form, they are so different than other animals,” said Washington Sea Grant Aquaculture Specialist Brent Vadopalas. "Genetically they are really bizarre. They are bizarre in almost every way."

For example, Vadopalas explains that the animal kingdom includes species that are male or female and species that are hermaphrodite.

“But the Olympia oyster, our native oyster, it will flip back and forth between male and female within a single season, the same individual,” he said. “Why would it do that? It makes no sense.”

That’s just one of the many mysteries these slippery creatures hold for Vadopalas and other shellfish researchers and growers.

Although there is so much still to learn, we can be certain that as long as clean waters rise and fall over Northwest tidelands, these farmers will be looking for ways to make sure the shellfish harvest continues for generations to come.

For more information about WSDA’s Aquaculture Coordinator activities contact: Laura Butler.

Schools, farms and partners make Taste Washington Day 2018 a success

Chris Iberle
WSDA Farm to School & Value Chains Specialist

Sam Bowhay from Ralph’s Greenhouse talks with students
 about growing golden beets at Taste Washington Day 2018
at Highline Public Schools 

The 8th annual Taste Washington Day took place at 43 school districts statewide on Oct. 3rd and other days throughout October. At least 212,000 students ate seasonal, Washington grown lunches and learned more about local food and farms through their district’s participation in Taste Washington Day. It was a great way celebrate and kick off National Farm to School Month.

More than 70 Washington farmers participated

Farmers provided everything from apples to beef to cabbage to milk for school lunches across the state. Governor Inslee’s Taste Washington Day Proclamation recognized the quality and diversity of Washington’s agricultural products, and how the National School Lunch Program encourages students to eat nutritious foods by providing affordable meals with ingredients grown on Washington farms.

Students pose with staff from WSDA, OSPI, WSU,

Highline Public Schools and local farmers at

 Taste Washington Day 2018

Apples were crunched

Many schools including Enumclaw School District, Grandview School District, Oak Harbor Public Schools, and many other districts held big “Washington Apple Crunch” celebrations on Oct. 3. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Oakesdale FFA, and other organizations joined students across the state to “crunch” into their locally grown Washington apples all together at noon, making a crunch heard ‘round the state.

Taste Washington Day at Highline Public Schools

WSDA and OSPI Child Nutrition staff visited Highline Public Schools to eat a local lunch with students, farmers, and community partners. At Evergreen High School, students from FEEST talked about how they work with their school food service to support healthy eating options for students. The menu included a salad dressing developed by FEEST students, featuring Washington grown blueberries.

WSDA Director Sandison visits with FEEST students

 at Highline Public Schools at Taste Washington Day 2018

At Seahurst Elementary, students were wowed by giant leeks and beets brought by Sam Bowhay from Ralph’s Greenhouse, whose bunched carrots were served fresh and roasted at lunch with white bean and chicken chili. Shepherd’s Grain provided flour for some tasty whole wheat rosemary rolls, and Dairy Ambassador Abby Zurcher from the Washington State Dairy Council shared photos and stories with students about how fresh milk gets from the cow to the carton. Candida Goza from WSU King County Extension SNAP-Ed talked about how they educate students on food and nutrition, and garden volunteer John Feeney gathered students from the New Start High School Shark Garden to share about how working in the garden and growing produce improves their learning experience.

Local lunches were served

Many thanks of course to every single one of the 43 school districts and cafeterias that participated in Taste Washington Day. Some school districts’ events are happening later in National Farm to School Month in October, and into November.

Click through these links to see just a few of the highlights:
• Anacortes School District served roasted delicata squash from The Crow’s Farm
• Concrete School District served an all-local menu with produce and beef from Sauk Farm, The Crow’s Farm, Boldly Grown Farm, Ovenell’s Ranch, Forest Farmstead, and Blue Heron Farm
• Preschoolers at Puesta Del Sol in Bellevue School District learned about locally grown foods
• Edmonds School District served Washington grown cauliflower, cucumbers, nectarines, apples, and fresh milk to celebrate
• Enumclaw School District celebrated with lunches featuring Washington grown ingredients
• Hood Canal School served corn on the cob from Hunter Farms, and did the Washington Apple Crunch
• LaConner School District held a Taste of the Skagit Week, with vegetables, fruit, and beef from farms in Skagit County in lunches all week long: Viva Farms, Swanson Bros., Pioneer Potatoes, Forrest Cattle Co., Gordon Skagit Farms, and Bow Hill Blueberries
• Lopez Island School District served lunches throughout September sourced from within 50 miles of the school
• Oak Harbor Public Schools, including Crescent Harbor and Olympic View Elementary Schools, highlighted local broccoli and cauliflower at lunch with a Washington Apple Crunch at noon
• Monroe School District featured Washington grown foods on all their salad bars: apple crisp, apples, pears, nectarines, peaches, cucumbers, corn, blueberries, autumn squash and fresh milk Pullman Public Schools served lentil sloppy joes and Korean street tacos with local lentils from Spokane Seed
• South Whidbey School District served carrots, beets, potatoes, lettuce, cherry tomatoes from their very own South Whidbey School Farms, and students in the culinary class made tortellini arrabbiata
• Tommorrow's Hope Child Development at Housing Hope served beef and bean chili with fresh, local salad including ingredients from Caruso Farms, Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, and Chinook Farms, and did the Washington Apple Crunch
• Willow Public School had a lunch with grass-fed meatloaf, kale salad, roasted carrots, summer squash, and more from farms within 30 miles of the school: Upper Dry Creek Ranch, Hayshaker Farm, Welcome Table Farm, Frog Hollow Farm, and Edwards Family Farm.

Taste Washington Day was organized by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington School Nutrition Association, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and many regional Farm to School partner organizations.

Guest blog: ag industry should prepare for the Big One, too

Steven Friederich
Washington Military Department

Every October leaves change, the air grows cooler and for many in the agriculture industry, harvest season is coming to close before preparing for the upcoming winter months.

October also marks earthquake preparedness month across Washington State, and this year more than 1 million people will be practicing their drop, cover and hold on skills during the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:20 a.m. on Oct. 20.

Practice May Save a Life

Brian Terbush, the earthquake/volcano program coordinator for the Washington Emergency Management Division, is asking farmers, ranchers and others in the ag industry to practice their earthquake preparedness skills on a date that works best for them if the typical third Thursday in October doesn’t pan out.

According to the state’s Emergency Management Division, practicing these emergency response skills helps build muscle memory. When the ground does start shaking, it’s better to automatically remember to drop, cover and hold on rather than panicking and bolting out the door or standing in place.

Registration helps us track the number of people participating, but isn’t required to practice your skills. You can show you are participating by registering at shakeout.org/washington/

Earthquakes on the Farm

So, what happens if you’re on a tractor or a combine in the middle of a field?

If you feel the earth start to shake, stop at a safe spot. Avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles and other hazards. Turn off the engine and stay in the farm equipment until the shaking stops. Similar advice goes for when driving a pickup or car, as well.

For cranberry farmers or others on the coast, once the shaking stops, head to high ground because a tsunami may be on the way. The state Department of Natural Resources offers tsunami inundation maps to help you figure out the safe routes to take and if your property is in a tsunami inundation zone.

Earthquakes in Food Processing Facilities

What if you’re in a processing facility or have a lot of machinery around?

The first step is to make sure your hazardous materials are properly labeled and to make sure you and your employees know where they are located ahead of time. Terbush suggests conducting periodic drills/orientations/walkthroughs with workers to point out and go over areas which may or may not be safe during an Earthquake, so that hopefully the knowledge of what is safe and unsafe to be near during an earthquake (just like we suggest staying away from windows and objects that could fall during an earthquake).  In addition, look to see if any equipment can be stabilized by being bolted to the walls, just like we suggest with water heaters in your home.

If there’s nowhere to duck under, get as low to the ground as possible and protect your neck with your hands. Quickly move to safety once the shaking stops, as aftershocks could be soon follow.

Business As Unusual After a Quake

Earthquakes can damage/destroy your business’ infrastructure and interrupt the delivery of resources your business depends on.

Tristan Allen, the state Emergency Management Division’s private industry program manager, says creating a business continuity plan that outlines your strengths and weaknesses is essential and provides some fundamental guidance for actions to be taken in the event of a disaster. Where would you operate if your physical facilities are damaged or destroyed? What is the plan if your distribution and supply chain are disrupted? The EMD’s Private Industry Program hosts a number of links on their website that may be of help.

Agriculture and the food industry are critical to our state's recovery after an earthquake. By preparing today, you'll not only potentially save the lives of loved ones and employees, but your business and the state will more quickly recover in the case of such a catastrophe.

Steven Friederich is a guest blogger from the Washington Military Department, where he is the Digital Media Coordinator.

Gypsy Moths and National Parks - Not a Good Mix

Karla Salp
Pest Program Outreach Coordinator

Male gypsy moth on branch

On my recent visit to the East Coast to view gypsy moth damage, I realized upon picking up my rental car that taking the brand new Jeep down the best roads to see gypsy moth defoliation could be costly for the State of Washington.

Luckily, I met Dr. Bob Cook – a biologist with the National Park Service on the Cape Cod National Seashore – who had a beat up Ford pickup perfect for going down the roads less traveled.

Roads Less Traveled 

The roads we drove were primarily dirt and maintained by the occasional car driving down them, as evidenced by the not-infrequent fingernail-on-chalkboard branches scraping the side of the pickup and the occasional “tree branch tunnel” through which we passed.

Driving along Highway 6 on my way to meet Bob earlier, it had seemed as though everything was defoliated; I could even see male gypsy moths fluttering near the trees as I drove. However, as we made our way through the lonely roads, we noted that some of the oak trees in the National Park were lucky enough to escape damage.

Soon enough, though, we discovered sites of complete defoliation. It was awe-inspiring to see the sun streaming unhindered through the naked forest, knowing these trees should have been lush, green, and shady at the end of July.


Gypsy Moths Are Smart

We continued to make our way from hollow to ridge (a difference of a mere few hundred feet) as we wove in and out of various levels of defoliation. Where the forest was totally leafless, moths and egg masses were scarce. But upon returning to areas that had only been partially defoliated, moths were fluttering everywhere and egg masses began appearing again on the trees.

The gypsy moths were no fools. They were defoliating entire acres of forest and then moving to new, healthier forests to lay their eggs, enabling the young to hatch out next spring in a stronger, healthier forest.

Oak trees starting put leaves back on at the end of July

Gypsy Moths and the Tourism Problem

Touring the park, I couldn’t help but think of the 15 national parks in Washington that together receive more than 7.6 million visitors a year.

Like our parks, the Cape Cod National Seashore also receives thousands of tourists each year. But tourism in the area had been dampened by the outbreak owing to the nuisance caused by the moths making camping a nightmare.

I saw reports on social media of tents being covered with male moths and even someone who had a female lay eggs in their sleeping bag!

This is the second year of defoliation in the area, which is a major stress for the trees. It could be enough that some of the trees may die. If they are defoliated again next year, entire sections of the forests in the National Park could die. 

Heading back to the National Park headquarters, I reflected with gratitude that our own national parks are safe from the gypsy moth, though it will take continued diligence to protect our forests.

Gypsy Moth Outbreak Tour

Karla Salp
Pest Program

Gypsy moth tour route

At the end of July I flew back East to see first-hand the devastation that the gypsy moths had caused in the largest outbreak the area had seen since 1981 – damage so vast it could be seen from space. The tour gave me a good idea of the risk these invasive pests can pose to our own region. Over the next few weeks I’ll be writing in more detail about the trip and what I learned. Here is an overview of where I went and the gypsy moth situations there.

Connecticut

Female gypsy moths and egg masses on oak tree

Connecticut was where I saw my first-ever live gypsy moths. After meeting with the nation’s oldest agriculture research station in New Haven, I continued on Interstate 95. Not far out of New Haven I began to notice defoliation, got off at the next exit and found female gypsy moths laying eggs on trees.

Rhode Island

My meeting with a forestry employee fell through, but that left more time for touring the state. I went up and down the state, which even weeks after the caterpillars were gone still showed massive defoliation mile after mile.

Cape Cod

Gypsy moths mating on tree limb in Cape Cod

Gypsy moths in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, developed well behind Connecticut and Rhode Island owing to its cooler climate. Although the moth peak was the week before I arrived, there were still plenty male and female moths to see and a lot of mating happening. Many of their forests were barely beginning to releaf out after having been completely defoliated. In addition to the defoliation of the oak trees, many pine trees had also been munched on.

Massachusetts 

Partially eaten leaves and new leaves starting

The last stop on the trip still offered new things to discover. The Shawme-Cromwell State Forest had been nearly completely defoliated not just this year but last year as well. The oak trees showed signs of stress, such as a last-ditch effort at survival by sprouting leaves along the trunk. Many atypical plants were defoliated, such as rose and blueberry bushes. Most dramatic, and foreboding for Washington, were the evergreens. Several had been completely defoliated and stood dead in the forest, awaiting removal by the park service.

The trip allowed me a chance to capture a number of videos and photos of the gypsy moth and the damage it can cause. I’ll share more of that in future posts on this blog.

Come One, Come All

Karla Salp
Pest Program Outreach Coordinator

Randy Taylor shows 2015 trapping results

WSDA’s team of gypsy moth experts has been trekking around the state holding gypsy moth “Ask the Expert” open houses, and we still have three more open houses if you haven’t gone yet!

At the open houses, you can get all of your questions answered about WSDA’s proposed gypsy moth treatments for the spring of 2016. You have the opportunity to speak with people like Dr. Jim Marra, the Pest Program manager for the WSDA. But we also have trappers and others involved in the gypsy moth program who can answer your questions.

Dr. Jim Marra speaks with the local health department

In addition to WSDA staff, the Department of Health is available at most open houses. They are answering questions about Btk and your health.

Finally, don’t miss the chance to watch WSDA’s newest gypsy moth video. It’s only 10 minutes long and gives you tons of information about why gypsy moth is such a bad pest.

Learn fun facts like how much caterpillars eat

If you haven’t gone, we invite you to step right up to one of the three final gypsy moth open houses for 2016:

• March 1 – Vancouver
• March 3 – Olympia
• March 10 – Tacoma

And if you aren’t able to make it to a live gypsy moth open house, you can always watch a recording of our virtual open house held in February!

Love is in the air - literally

Karla Salp
Pest Program

Male & Female Gypsy Moths

I wish I could take credit for the idea for this blog, but it was actually inspired by an article that arrived in my inbox, written by Todd Whitcombe. His article describes the chemistry of attraction in animals – and he used the gypsy moth as an example. Being that it is Valentine’s Day, I just couldn’t resist talking about l’amour for the not-so-beloved gypsy moths.

Reading the article taught me a few new things about gypsy moths and their mating practices. For example, did you know:

• The female gypsy moth uses a compound called bombykol as its sex attractant
• She releases this compound into the air when she is ready to mate
• The male gypsy moth can detect as little as one molecule of bombykol in the air 
• The male gypsy moth has been known to follow a female from as far as 5 miles away
• In human terms, this would be the equivalent of walking 500 miles

Coupling gypsy moths

The ability of the male gypsy moth to find the female gypsy moth to reproduce is nothing short of amazing. This heightened skill, however, is also one of the reasons why they are such a problem.

When you factor in that a female moth can lay up to 1,000 eggs, it is easy to see how just a couple of moths can rapidly grow to populations that will devastate forests and the environment.

The ability to effectively and rapidly reproduce is just one of the reasons why it is critical that Washington eradicate gypsy moths when they are detected. Visit our website to learn more about WSDA’s gypsy moth trapping and control efforts, and consider attending one of our upcoming open houses for more information!

8 Reasons to Attend a Gypsy Moth Open House

Karla Salp
WSDA Pest Program

If you have heard about our proposed gypsy moth treatments – which include applying a biological insecticide over some residential areas – you are bound to have questions and possibly some concerns.

That is why the Department of Agriculture is holding seven open houses over the next month and making our experts, and some from other agencies, available to answer your questions and address your concerns about the treatments proposed for this spring.

Why Attend an Open House

 

Here are 8 reasons why you should attend an open house:

1. Ask the Experts – We will have local gypsy moth experts available to answer your questions about gypsy moths, the proposed treatment, and the treatment product.
2. Educate Yourself – We’ll have several stations where you can learn about various aspects of the project.
3. Don’t Be Surprised – Treatments will involve early morning helicopters flying over residential areas. Find out what to expect so you are prepared. 
4. Watch It – Take a few minutes to watch WSDA’s brand new video about the gypsy moth to appreciate why it is such terrible pest.
5. Stay in the Know – You’ll have the opportunity to sign up for e-mail, text, or phone alerts about gypsy moth treatments. 
6. Share Your Concerns – Talk to WSDA staff about any concerns you have regarding the treatment.
7. Multiple Options – Attend a virtual open house online or one that is in your neighborhood.
8. Share the Knowledge – Take some of our handouts and help educate your neighbors and friends by learning the facts about gypsy moth, the threat it poses to our environment, and the need to eradicate this pest.

Save the Date

You have several opportunities to attend an open house:

• February 16th – Virtual “Ask the Experts” open house webinar – Register online
• February 17th – Gig Harbor City Hall, 3510 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor
• February 23rd – Kent Memorial Park, 850 N Central Ave, Kent
• February 24th – Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave E, Seattle
• March 1st – Vancouver Public Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver
• March 3rd – Olympic View Elementary School, 1330 Horne St NE, Olympia
• March 10th – Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma

After attending an open house, you’ll know more about WSDA’s proposed treatment and our plan of action. WSDA believes this proposal is the best choice to protect our environment from gypsy moths while being safe for you, your family and pets. Visit our webpage agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth any time for the most recent information on this project.

Washington State Fair opportunity to ‘tell our story’

Mike Louisell

Communications Office

In the age of Facebook, Twitter and blogs, is a booth at a fair or trade show still relevant for government agencies to reach the public and stay connected? While many choose social media to learn what’s happening, the WSDA booth at this year’s Washington State Fair in Puyallup presented another way of sharing information about our programs that support agriculture and a sound environment.

Volunteers from many WSDA programs talked with fairgoers about the threat of gypsy moth, ways to protect bees, and how large agriculture is in the Evergreen State. It was a perfect setting for these topics, situated as we were in the Ag-Hort/Floral Tent, among giant pumpkins, gorgeous flowers and artfully-constructed displays presented by Washington State Grange members.

Rickie Lehto and Jeff Britt at booth

“The majority of visitors I met were interested in the noxious weed materials and our board reflecting the different commodities throughout the state,” said Amber Robertson, Human Resource consultant and agency recruiter. “I thought our booth was very well done and had a variety of different reference materials.”

Director Derek Sandison staffs the booth.

A USDA booth adjacent to ours stressed the importance of keeping various pest insects, plant diseases and animal health threats contained. In that regard, both USDA and WSDA had information about avian influenza and how to “spread the word, protect your birds” with information for bird owners, consumers and veterinarians.

WSDA field veterinarians have been visiting various fairs across the state to test poultry and other birds for avian influenza and other diseases, even fairs that have opted out of testing in the past.

Tacoma visitor at fair since 1934!

WSDA also showed its support for 4-H and FFA. WSDA fairs program coordinator Henri Gonzales accompanied Fairs Commissioner Debbie Adolphsen to present ribbons. The commissioner evaluated the youth organizations for their skills in grooming animals, keeping stalls and pens clean and decorated, their showmanship and ability to discuss their projects.

“We met so many good kids dedicated to their animals and really enjoyed the beef exhibitors for being so friendly and helpful,” Henri said.

Many visitors told us they have been to the fair numerous  times over the years. One woman from Tacoma told us she has come to the fair every year since 1934. Here's hoping she stops by our booth again next year.