The Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) does not exist in California and we want to keep it that way. In order to prevent a Gypsy Moth invasion of California's rich forests, the state has established an effective detection system. Specifically, when anyone moves household goods into California from an area known to be infested by Gypsy Moth, those goods are flagged at one of California's border stations and placed under quarantine when the goods reach their destination. The border station then notifies the destination county's Agricultural Commissioner’s Office who in turn contacts new residents to schedule an inspection of any outdoor items (such as barbecues, tools, patio furniture, boats, lawn mowers, etc.) that the adult Gypsy Moth could have laid eggs upon.
If eggs are found, the Inspector carefully removes them and places a temporary Gypsy Moth monitoring trap in a tree on or around the property.
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