On July 7, 2000, two adult male gypsy moths were captured in a detection trap located on a property in Novato. Subsequently, gypsy moth detection trap density was increased to 25 per square mile over a four-square-mile area surrounding this property. A door-to-door search was initiated after several additional gypsy moths were trapped in a localized area.

The door-to-door search revealed eight egg masses, several pupal cases, and cast skins at a residence where outdoor items had been moved from Connecticut in January 2000. A total of 19 moths were trapped during a several week period, constituting an established infestation of this pest. An eradication program consisting of ground and aerial treatments began in the spring of 2001. Post treatment monitoring consisted of the placement of 49 traps per square mile for four square miles surrounding the treatment epicenter. Normal detection trap density resumed after two years of negative trapping.

In 2008, 47 gypsy moth inspections of household goods from infested states were conducted.