Damyang-gun Intensifies Control Measures to Prevent Spread of American White Moth and Others

[Damyang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Chunsu] On the 29th, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that it will carry out pest control to prevent damage to forests, living areas, and roadside trees caused by the invasive pest, the American white moth, and to create a healthy living environment.

The American white moth is native to North America and was first discovered in Seoul in 1958. Since then, it has spread nationwide, causing damage.

It is estimated that recent abnormal weather, with rising temperatures, has extended its habitat activity period and increased reproduction, leading to its spread. Coupled with the hot and humid summer climate conditions, it is becoming more rampant.

The American white moth poses risks of causing skin diseases or keratitis upon human exposure. It damages broadleaf trees such as alder and cherry trees, leaving only bare branches that turn red, spoiling the roadside scenery, and weakening tree vitality due to reduced photosynthesis.

Accordingly, before the second half of August when larvae emerge, the county has organized three forest pest control teams to focus pest control efforts on roadside trees, parks, forests, and major tourist sites to minimize damage.

A county official stated, “We will do our best to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem by minimizing damage through early monitoring and timely pest control of forest pests.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.