If they are not removed, they will crawl out at night and may not be caught again. The 1998 banding trial in the Western Communities caught one suspect caterpillar and one pupal case. It did show that the behaviour of gypsy moth on large Garry oak is different than on smaller trees. Thus, this treatment is not effective. Biological Controls Classic biological control is achieved by the successful introduction and reproduction of predators, parasites or diseases that are specific to the pest organism.
Biological control is used for pests that are exotic but established .
For the B.C. gypsy moth situation, biological control will only work if there is a continuing, established gypsy moth population - a situation we are attempting to avoid by following the eradication strategy. B.C. A matrix of biological controls for various noxious weeds has been produced. Since the gypsy moth is not established in B.C. or western North America, biological control is not a viable treatment option. Biological controls, particularly through the introduction of a fungus specific to gypsy moth, have been carried out in the established areas in eastern North America with some success. Many other organisms have been introduced as potential biological control agents for gypsy moth in eastern North America with little, if any, effect.