A CLOSER LOOK AT THE GYPSY MOTH 



By Ellsworth H, Wheeler, Extension Entomologist, University of Massachusetts 



Defoliation by Gypsy Moth in 1953 was the most extensive ever recorded in New England — 

 nearly 1,500,000 acres — more than half of it in Massachusetts. Turn to the other side and the 

 Defoliation Map prepared by the Department of Natural Resources. Note the "hot spots" of 

 severe damage widely scattered over the state. 



Heavy defoliation has several serious effects: (1) Trees are weakened and fail to make nor- 

 mal growth, or are killed outright; (2) the fire hazard is greatly increased; (3) the water holding 

 capacity of watershed areas is decreased; (4) woods are made unfit for wildlife; (5) recreational 

 areas are spoiled; (6) Massachusetts woodlands and roadways are made unattractive to visitors. 



What Is the Outlook for 1954? 



Damage is expected to be as great or even greater than in 1953. The "hot spots" are centers 

 for further spread in 1954. Parasites and other natural enemies appear unable to check the present 

 outbreak. Temperatures must be -20°F or lower for several hours to kill exposed, eggs. A cover- 

 ing of snow gives perfect protection. 



The experience of more than 30 years has proved that individual communities cannot prevent 

 extensive outbreaks of this pest in wooded areas. Creosoting egg masses kills eggs but appears 

 entirely futile in the present situation. Ground sprayers and blowers are limited to streets and 

 roadsides. 



Can Defoliation Be Prevented? 



Yes! Aerial spraying with DDT is effective, safe and practicable; it is economical when re- 

 sources are pooled for major purchases of DDT, oil, solvents, transportation and aircraft con- 

 tracts. This is not guesswork; it is based upon experience. 



The map shows thousands of acres sprayed in Barnstable, Plymouth, Nantucket, and Berk- 

 shire counties since 1949. Financing was done by pooling the resources of Towns, Counties, 

 State and Federal agencies; the work was supervised and coordinated by the Department of 

 Natural Resources assisted by Town and County personnel. Technical information and assistance 

 was furnished by the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine of the U. S. Department of 

 Agriculture. 



No defoliation by Gypsy Moth has occurred in these sprayed areas. 



What YOU Can Do to Help 



A sound, workable and continuing plan for eliminating defoliation by Gypsy Moth throughout 

 Massachusetts has been drawn up by the Department of Natural Resources. It calls for a State- 

 wide cooperative program. Financing requires early legislative action to bring about pooling of 

 the resources of towns, cities, counties and the State. It is to your advantage to have your com- 

 munity cooperate in this program. 



You may obtain additional information from your County Extension Office, Moth Superintendent, 

 Tree Warden, University of Massachusetts, or Department of Natural Resources. 



Inform yourself — inform your neighbors — make your wishes known! 

 Hurry! The Gypsy Moth caterpillar starts eating again in May! 

 There's a lot of groundwork to be done before the planes can fly! 



Issued by the Extension Service, James W. Dayton, Associate Dean and Director, in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914; 

 University of Massachusetts, United States Department of Agriculture and County Extension Services cooperating. 5M-1/54 



