New Jersey expects increase in gypsy moths

The state of New Jersey plans to treat 112,500 acres of forests in May and June to combat an expected heavy infestation of gypsy moth. In the treatment area, more than 87,000 acres would require a second treatment. The total treatment cost is estimated at $9 million. Federal cost reimbursement funds will be available to municipalities.

The cost is worth it based on the “devastation” caused by the pest last year, according to the state’s secretary of agriculture. More than 320,000 acres of trees were defoliated by gypsy moth caterpillars in spring 2007.

Last year’s defoliation killed approximately 14,000 acres of trees. Up to 45,000 acres of trees in New Jersey could be lost this year if the pest is not successfully controlled, the agriculture department reported.

{sidebar id=2}

For more: Joseph Zoltowski, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, (609)292-5442; www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/gypsymoth.html.

March 2008