Wayne to participate in gypsy moth spray program

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Wayne County has decided to participate in the 2007 gypsy moth spray program, which will be administered through the Wayne Conservation District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The program is designed to minimize tree defoliation in residential areas by the aerial application of an insecticide that reduces the number of gypsy moth caterpillars. The insecticide used by DCNR is called Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), which is known as an environmentally safe insecticide that targets only leaf-eating caterpillars.

Last year, the cost to the landowner for this program was $6 per acre. This year, the cost per acre to the landowner is expected to be sharply higher, up to as much as $35 per acre, due to the fact that state and federal funding, available last year, are not expected this year. There is a small chance that such funding will be provided, but any allocation is expected to be negligible.

Please note that this spray program is for the gypsy moth caterpillar only. It does not include spraying for forest tent, eastern tent or any other native caterpillars.

To request an application call 570/253-0930. The deadline for applications is September 7th, and there is an application fee of $10.