Light brown apple moth control a hornets' nest

Officials looking for ways to eradicate light brown apple moth from  California's Bay Area and North Coast seem to face skepticism of their every move. Aerial spraying of pheromones has been abandoned after opposition from residents in the infested areas. A story this week in the Contra Costa Times sheds doubt on a planned alternative program, releasing sterile moths to control the pest.

According to the article, UC Berkeley entomologist Andrew Guitierrez says the female light brown apple moth can mate several times in the one- to two-week period before laying eggs.

"Within a few days, 100 percent of them have mated, and they can mate up to five times. Most won't mate that many times, but all you need is a few who don't mate with sterile males, and the system doesn't work," Gutierrez was quoted.

Also, objections to plans to put pheromone-emitting twist ties in Sonoma Valley trees are being raised. CBS 5 ran a story on its Web site that said most of the 28 people who addressed the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors about the twist-tie program are concerned about the toxicity of the pheromone in the twist ties and the environmental and health consequences, especially to children.

The application of the twist ties within a 15-square mile area of the Sonoma Valley is on hold until the state Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determine whether there are endangered species living near a creek in that area.

A light brown apple moth worm.

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