Sonoma moth fight begins with twist ties

State agricultural workers will begin placing chemically infused "twist ties" this month around Sonoma Valley homes and other properties near where two light brown apple moths were found earlier this year.

The 8-inch-long twist ties, which can disrupt the moth's mating cycle, will be hung in a 200-meter radius from where the two pests were found this winter and spring.

One affected neighborhood is near the intersection of Arnold Drive and Craig Avenue. The second area is centered at Bokman Place in the residential neighborhood south of Flowery Elementary School.

The California Department of Food & Agriculture will send out workers with the twist ties on or after June 16, spokesman Steve Lyle said Tuesday.

The state last month declared a 15-square-mile moth quarantine area extending from western Sonoma north to Eldridge.

Residents in the quarantine area are prohibited from taking plants and other "host materials" off their properties, while agricultural growers are required to allow trapping and inspections to show their crops are free of the moths.

The pest, a native of Australia, can feed on a variety of plants ranging from grapes to redwoods.

The state and federal governments this year have undertaken a $75 million eradication program.

The eradication effort centers on using a synthetic pheromone similar to that of the female moth. The pheromone confuses the male moth and is dispensed by either the twist ties or, more controversially, aerial spraying.

State officials held an informational meeting on the twist ties Monday night at Flowery Elementary. About 15 people attended the session, Lyle said.

A typical single-family home might receive up to 40 twist ties, Lyle said. The twist ties will remain in place for about 90 days, after which they will be removed and, if needed, replaced.

Officials insist the twist ties won't harm animals or insects.

You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or robert.digitale@pressdemocrat .com.