6o THE BROWN-TAIL MOTH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE 



There is also likely to be a gradual distribution from the 

 natural flight of the moths, especially along lines of electric 

 lights. These moths flv freelv, and sometimes are carried 

 considerable distances by the wind. 



REMEDIAL MEASURES 



Much the most important remedial measure now to be put 

 in practice by the residents of the infested region is this : 



Cut and Burii the IVinte?' N^ests 



Do not cut and merel}' throw them on the ground. The 

 caterpillars will not be killed by so doing. Bur7i the nests^ 

 preferably in a stove, for the webs are very resistant and must 

 be thoroughly consumed to be sure that the caterpillars are 

 killed. 



In spring, after the leaves have come out, the caterpillars 

 may be killed by spraying with arsenate of lead, but it is 

 much better to check the outbreak in a newly infested com- 

 munity by the winter treatment recommended above. 



There is no doubt that a law is needed in this state which 

 will enable the local authorities to treat as common nuisances 

 premises infested by this or any other newly introduced, dan- 

 gerous pest in which the owner refuses or neglects to apply 

 remedial measures. Such a statute would enable the local 

 authorities to protect the neighborhood and the state at large. 

 In Massachusetts this will probably be adopted as the solution 

 of the vexed Gypsy Moth problem — a problem which it is 

 only a question of time when the people of New Hampshire 

 will also have to solve. 



The only other insect nests present on our trees in winter 

 that are at all likelv to be confused with those of the Brown- 

 tail Moth are the old, empty nests of the Fall Webworm and 

 the Tent Caterpillar. These are larger, looser, and more 

 weather worn, and co7itain no living caterpillars. If a web 

 on a tree in winter contains small caterpillars, burn it, and 

 clean the premises of all similar nests. 



