THE GYPSY MOTH. 



A'atural Enemies. 



There are several species of parasitic Hymenoptera, Diptera 

 and predaceous insects that attack* both the g}'psy and brown- 

 tail moths in Massachusetts, and they are also devoured by birds, 

 toads, and other insectivorous animals. But all of these work- 

 ing togetlier do not control the pests. 



Importation of Parasites. 



In Europe, the native home of these insects, there are a 

 larger number of parasitic enemies belonging to species not 

 found in this country. During 1905, Dr. L. O. Howard, the 

 Government Entomologist, in cooperation with the Massachu- 

 setts authorities, collected in Europe some of the parasites 

 of the gj^sy and brown-tail moths, and sent them to 

 Massachusetts, where they will be reared and finally distributed 

 in the infested r^on. Of course these parasites may not be 

 able to thrive, or even to live, in this country, but it is an 

 experiment worth trying, and we certainly hope for much 

 benefit from it. 



Remedial Measures. 



One of the most effective means of controlling the g}psy 

 moth is by destroying the egg-masses on the trunks and 

 branches of trees, on fences, stones, or wherever they occur. 

 A sponge, brush or swab is dipped in creosote mixture, and 

 the egg-masses are saturated with it. A long pole can be 

 used to reach the egg-masses, but it is often necessary for 

 men to climb about in the trees in order to reach them. Where 

 brush land is badly infested, it is often best to cut and bum 

 the brush between August and May to destroy the eggs. 

 Spraying the foliage with arsenate of lead, using 5 pounds to 

 50 gallons of water, will of course save the trees from injury 

 for the season. This poison adheres to the tree for a long 

 time, and will not injure the leaves. Paris green can be used 

 at the rate of one pound in 100 gallons of water, but two 

 pounds of lime should be added to prevent injury to the 

 foliage. This mixture will not adhere to the leaves as well 

 as arsenate of lead. 



