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Gypsy Moth Outbreak07-12-07 | News

Gypsy Moth Outbreak

In late April, gypsy moth caterpillars such as these hatch from eggs and climb to treetops where they feed or dangle from strands and are blown to other trees. Each caterpillar can eat 11 square feet of foliage in its lifetime. Photo courtesy of Michigan State University Extension Service

Millions of gypsy moth caterpillars are devouring forest greenery across western, northern and central Maryland in what state pest-control experts say is the worst infestation in 12 years.

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The agency, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service and private landowners, sprayed pesticides on more than 50,000 acres in 12 counties this spring, ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Garrett County and the mountain regions between Frederick and Hagerstown are two major hot spots, he said. The worms have an appetite for oak, apple, American beech, birch, sweet gum, willow and hawthorn.

Tens of thousands of gypsy moths in their caterpillar stage attack a tree, eating the leaves and robbing the tree of nutrients. Many trees die, while others become susceptible to other insect predators. Tichenor said as many as 15 percent of infested trees die.

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The state contracted to have trees sprayed between May 5 and May 28, when the caterpillars were eating leaves and vulnerable to the insecticides.

Source: The Associated Press