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Cinnabar larvae for tansy control?

Q:

I would like to obtain cinnabar larvae to help rid my animal pasture of tansy. How/where can I find a source?

A:

The Oregon Department of Agriculture used to have a program where cinnabar moths could be obtained, but they do not currently. The moths have had an established population in the Willamette Valley, and are still present along with a couple other biological control agents, however this year I have had many requests for the cinnabar moth, so perhaps population dynamics are changing.

Below are some links to information about managing tansy ragwort:

Management options for tansy ragwort in forest land: preventive steps; biological, chemical, and mechanical controls, plus grazing. Includes description of weed and its life cycle, history of infestation in the U.S. and West, and sources of more information.

You might also contact the ODA Noxious Weed Program and let them know of your interest in the cinnabar moth program.

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Invasive Weeds in Forestland: Tansy Ragwort

Management options for tansy ragwort in forest land: preventive steps; biological, chemical, and mechanical controls, plus grazing. Includes description of weed and its life cycle, history of infestation in the U.S. and West, and sources of more information.

Anonymous | Sep 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Tansy Ragwort

Tansy ragwort, an invasive weed that can harm certain types of livestock, is making a comeback in western Oregon. Find out how to control it and protect your animals.

Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Gene Pirelli, Eric Coombs | Aug 2011 | Article

Sheep in dry pasture
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