Protect the Environment During Your Move

Written by Lindsay Nowak

Have you heard of the gypsy moth? No? Me either until I was tasked with communicating it to the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® system on how to stay gypsy moth-free during moves.

These little creatures continue to cause problems throughout the United States which affects the way moving companies transport customers’ items across state lines.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, these bugs are one of the most destructive pests of trees and shrubs to ever be introduced in the United States. Since 1970, gypsy moths have defoliated more than 75 million acres in the U.S.

While not every state has been designated as a host state to the gypsy moth, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations. Transporting the gypsy moth during a move could devastate trees and shrubs of an uninfected area, making it hard for families to enjoy communities and natural surroundings.

Franchises within states affected by the moths are required to comply with federal law for ensuring infected items are not taken into uninfected regions. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® requires a checklist be filled out by customers for checking off items that are moth-free and safe to transport into uninfected areas. This checklist goes with the customers’ goods when being transported.

Customers are required to inspect outdoor household items, such as grills and lawn furniture for gypsy moth egg masses before being transported.

For more information on the gypsy moth and how to avoid these pests when moving, visit http://www.hungrypests.com/YourMoveGypsyMothFree/. I recommend taking a look at the quarantine map as well as the tips to prevent the spreading of gypsy moths when moving.