U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted 146 destructive Asian Gypsy Moth egg masses on four ships recently in the port of Baltimore.
Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) is one of the most destructive insect pests in the world. They are not known to occur in the United States.
If they would become established here, they could cause serious, widespread damage to our country’s landscape and natural resources.
In July, Baltimore CBP agriculture specialists intercepted five AGM egg masses from three vessels.
“Asian Gypsy Moth is a highly destructive invasive pest, and it poses a clear threat to our nation’s natural resources,” said Casey Durst, CBP’s Director of the Baltimore Field Office.
“Here in Maryland, Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance and conduct stringent inspections of vessels and their cargo in the fight to protect agriculture and economic prosperity locally, and nationally, from these invasive pests," Casey added.
CBP agriculture specialists removed the egg masses and treated the affected area with a pest spray oil. Each ships’ crew assisted in mitigation efforts under CBP direction and supervision.