Gypsy moth caterpillar (USDA)
Adult male gypsy moth (USDA)HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Thursday it will resume aerial spraying to control the spread of the gypsy moth in northwest and north central parts of the state.
DCNR last sprayed for gypsy moths in 2009, when more than 178,000 acres in 25 counties were targeted across the state.
DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said that after a three-year absence of severe gypsy moth damage, the invasive pest has multiplied in some areas to the point where control efforts must be resumed.
More than 43,000 acres of state forestland, state parkland and Pennsylvania Game Commission land will be sprayed in Cameron, Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, Potter and Tioga counties.
Sixty-five acres of private property also will be sprayed in Venango County.
The spray program using helicopters will begin in mid-April and end by June 1.
Gypsy moths strip trees of foliage, leaving them weakened and susceptible to disease, drought and attack by other insects.
