The introduction of invasive species into some areas of the world can be profoundly harmful to the ecosystem being invaded. Invasive species threaten the healthy functioning of ecosystems, native biodiversity, animal and plant health, as well as human economies through the damage done to beneficial natural resource species such as trees. The best way to avoid these problems is to take measures to prevent the introduction of these non-native species. However, if this fails, eradication of the harmful species may be possible and feasible in some cases. 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 Leopold Trouvelot intentionally imported the moths, intending to crossbreed gypsy moths with silkworms to develop a silkworm industry. Unfortunately the moths were accidentally released from his residence and soon spread throughout the New England area. The gypsy moth began to cause environmental problems very quickly, as their numbers began to increase, defoliation of the forest soon followed. Affected forests grow much more slowly, with a higher incidence of tree death. Defoliation has not only affected trees, but has also affected local populations of forest-dwelling birds. Nests placed in defoliated trees were much more visible and unprotected and, in turn, were subject to a much greater likelihood of predation than nests placed in healthy trees. Gypsy moths annually impact the populations and reproductive success of these birds. In addition to ecological, the establishment of the gypsy moth in any new habitat can cause economic damage. Any lumber, nursery products or… half the paper… even the cost of using Bt is manageable. Bt is distributed over large amounts of land through the use of aircraft and is also easily produced at a manageable cost. The cost of Bt treatments ranges between $15 and $30 per acre depending on dosage, geographic location and size of treatment blocks. 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 low economic and environmental costs, contribute to its feasibility and usefulness when it comes to eradicating the gypsy moth as efficiently as possible. I believe that regular treatment of problem areas and research into Bt strains with higher mortality rates are the right course of action to take regarding this issue.