The introduction of invasive species into certain regions of the world can be profoundly harmful to the invaded ecosystem. Invasive species threaten healthy functioning ecosystems, native biodiversity, animal and plant health, and human economies through damage to useful natural resource species such as trees. The best way to avoid these problems is to take steps to prevent the introduction of these non-native species. However, if this fails, in some cases eradication of pest species may be possible and feasible. One of these invasive and harmful species is the European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). The European gypsy moth was introduced to North America in 1869 from Europe. Etienne Léopold Trouvelot intentionally imported the moths, intending to cross gypsy moths with silkworms to develop a silkworm industry. Unfortunately, the butterflies were accidentally released from its residence and quickly spread throughout the New England region. The gypsy moth began to cause environmental problems very quickly, as their numbers began to increase, forest defoliation would soon follow. Affected forests grow much more slowly, with a higher incidence of tree death. Defoliation not only affected the trees, it also affected local populations of forest birds. Nests placed in defoliated trees were much more visible and unprotected and were therefore subject to a much higher risk of predation than nests placed in healthy trees. gypsy moths have an impact on the populations and reproductive success of these birds every year. In addition to being ecological, the establishment of the gypsy moth in any new habitat can cause economic damage. Any lumber, nursery products or ...... middle of paper ...... the cost of using Bt is also manageable. Bt is distributed over large amounts of land through the use of aircraft and Bt is also easily produced at a manageable cost. The cost of Bt treatments ranges from $15 to $30 per acre depending on dosage, geographic location and treatment block size. This cost is currently shared by the USDA Forest Service and the local municipality. I would strongly support and recommend the use of Bt to solve the European gypsy moth problem. Its effectiveness as well as its low economic and environmental costs contribute to its viability and usefulness when it comes to eradicating the gypsy moth in the most effective way possible. I believe that regular treatment of problem areas as well as research into Bt strains with higher mortality rates is the right course of action to take when dealing with this problem...