Gypsy moths are on the increase in many parts of the country. Apply a sticky barrier around the trunks of trees to intercept them before they eat the leaves. Hatchling caterpillars that originate from eggs on other trees and vegetation in the area will get stuck in the barrier and die. Apply wide masking tape around the tree and then apply sticky barrier material, available at garden centers and hardware stores, on the surface of the tape. You can trap the caterpillars that originate from eggs laid on the tree by tying a swath of burlap above the sticky barrier.
Caterpillars seek the shelter of the burlap during the daylight hours.
Check under the burlap daily and destroy any caterpillars that you find by dropping them into soapy water. Remove the sticky barrier and the burlap before the end of August. Unchecked populations of deer are an increasing problem for gardeners throughout the country. If you want to limit deer damage, start early. Barriers such as electric fencing and tall barrier fences have proven to provide the best control where populations are high.