The problem was a master engine light that indicated metal fragments in the oil. Numerous calls were received concerning the presence of large numbers of caterpillars following treatments. This can be attributed to the fact that landowners are not aware that B.t. mortality in not noticeable until 3 to 5 days after larvae have ingested a lethal dose. There needs to be a better job done of educating landowners about the activity of B.t. Post treatment evaluations are now being completed.
Early indications are that there was good control from a defoliation standpoint.
In areas of high egg mass densities, one can see a very clear distinction between treated and untreated blocks by just driving down the road. In some places, however, people felt there were entirely too many residual caterpillars. As in past years, this cost is expected to be lower since administrative costs are typically higher than actual costs. The defoliation fly-over for 1998 was completed by the Michigan DNR during the week of July 13. Preliminary information indicates defoliation occurred across Southern Michigan and up through the central portion of the Lower Peninsula.