Gypsy Moths are back!

Gypsy Moths are back! The Maryland Department of Agriculture is taking action to prevent damage to its trees but MD homeowners need to be proactive too.

According to the Associated Press, cyclical infestations of Gypsy Moth caterpillars caused defoliation damage to 19,000 acres of trees last year.

So what are these terrible pests? Well, in 1869 a scientist in New England brought the moth - native to Europe, Asia and North Africa - to North America. He was trying to cross a Silk Worm with the Gypsy Moth but a few of the moths escaped into the surrounding woods. The experiment failed but we have been dealing with the effects of the escaped Gypsy Moths ever since. They have propagated and migrated throughout the eastern United States and are one of the most disliked insects in the US.

What do they attack and what can you do? They attack almost every species of tree with a strong preference for Oaks and Maples. For most homeowners, the practical solution is to have a Professional Arborist visit your property to list the most vulnerable trees and propose a spray-treatment regimen. Some treatment the homeowner can do themselves. The spraying should be done by a licensed applicator (A Year Round Tree Expert Company would be happy to do this for you!) with tall tree high volume spray equipment. Pickup trucks mounted with low volume sprayers used on lawns is a BIG no-no! In some cases one spray a year is sufficient; in other cases two sprays will be needed. Call Steve, your Year Round Tree Expert, for advice and a free estimate!!

Sources:

Picture from A Year Round Tree Expert Company

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bay_environment/bal-gypsy-moth-0501,0,2426297.story