Conduct detection surveys that identify the locations of introduced individuals and incipient populations of lymantria dispar

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded $664,190 to the State of Washington Department of Agriculture on May 1, 2026, under a Cooperative Agreement to conduct detection surveys for Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) across Washington State through April 30, 2027.

WSDA will install gypsy moth traps at approximately one trap per square mile in high-risk areas, monitor traps multiple times during the survey season for presence or absence of L. dispar, remove traps September through October, and analyze results. The work includes phenology modeling to time monitoring and removal activities through the end of adult flight season. WSDA will conduct outreach to property owners and the general public using informational door hangers and pest cards when placing traps on private property.

The award funds personnel ($63,535), fringe ($20,474), travel ($13,185), supplies ($3,571), and electronic devices ($2,700). Quality control measures ensure trap placement and distribution follow appropriate guidelines. The anticipated outcome is early detection of L. dispar populations present in Washington State, enabling WSDA to identify introduced populations and implement rapid response eradication plans before establishment. Intended beneficiaries include the Plant Protection and Quarantine program, WSDA, and industry and export interests. No sub-recipients are specified at award.

Activities

A) survey: install L. Dispar traps in high-risk areas at approximately one trap per square mile. Monitor traps multiple times during the survey season for presence/absence of L. Dispar. Remove traps september-october and analyze results. B) outreach: conduct outreach to property owners and the general population of washington state using informational door hangers when placing traps on private property and an informational pest card. Deliverables and expected outcomes: phenology modeling will be used to plan monitoring and removal activities to ensure, to the best of our ability, that traps remain deployed until adult flight has ceased for the year: a) quality control measures have been put in place to ensure trap placement and distribution follows the appropriate guidelines; B) the anticipated result of the survey is early detection of L. Dispar present in washington state. The detection surveys allow wsda to identify introduced populations and implement a rapid response plan to ensure L. Dispar does not become established in the state. Intended beneficiary(IES): PPQ, wsda, industry/exporters. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: none known. Financials: personnel = $63,535; fringe = $20,474; travel = $13,185; supplies = $3,571; other (electronic devices) = $2 ,700.