GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS AND THEIR CONTROL 37 



UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



The gypsy moth project has been conducted by the Bureau of 

 Entomology for many years. On July 1, 1928, the quarantine and 

 control work was transferred to the Plant Quarantine and Control 

 Administration, which later became the Bureau of Plant Quarantine, 

 and the research work was assigned to the Division of Forest Insects 

 of the Bureau of Entomology. On January 1, 1934, the quarantine 

 work was transferred to another section of the Bureau, and on July 1, 

 1934, the two bureaus became the Bureau of Entomology and Plant 

 Quarantine. 



For a number of years it was believed to be impossible to restrict 

 the spread of the brown-tail moth on account of the heavy migration 

 of the adults. Owing, however, to the effectiveness of parasites 

 introduced by the Bureau, to winter conditions unfavorable to the 

 insect, and in some sections to the effectiveness of a fungus disease 

 that attacks the caterpillars, in addition to a large amount of hand 

 suppression work, not only was spread prevented but marked reduc- 

 tion in the infested area recorded. 



A large amount of experimental work has been done to devise 

 better methods of controlling these insects. Natural enemies have 

 been introduced from Europe, northern Africa, and Japan and colo- 

 nized throughout most of the infested area. Specialists have spent 

 considerable time studying the insects in their native homes and col- 

 lecting parasites for shipment to this country. 



The entire area known to be infested by either of these insects is 

 under quarantine, and shipments of nursery stock, lumber, cordwood, 

 and other forest products, including Christmas trees and greenery 

 and stone and quarry products, are not permitted to leave the terri- 

 tory unless they are inspected and accompanied by a certificate 

 stating that they are free from infestation. 



The results of the work in the barrier zone in preventing spread 

 and the cleaning up of isolated infestations have justified the efforts 

 expended and have protected the United States at large from infesta- 

 tions and resultant damage from these pests. 



COOPERATIVE WORK 



Since the gypsy moth and brown-tail moth work was begun by the 

 Bureau of Entomology, more or less work has been done in coopera- 

 tion with the States concerned. The general plan of field work in 

 New England is for the States to manage the clean-up east of the 

 barrier zone while the Federal forces work in the zone and cooperate 

 in making the entire work effective. 



In New York the work in the barrier zone is handled in cooperation 

 with the State authorities. 



In New Jersey and Pennsylvania close cooperation has been main- 

 tained with the State departments. 



During the past 3 years the work has been extended and intensified 

 through cooperation with the N. R. A., W. P. A., and C. C. C, and 

 recently cooperation has been established with the Northeastern 

 Forest Experiment Station of the Forest Service for the purpose of 

 utilizing the latest silvicultural methods in connection with the control 

 work in forests. 



