The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1915-11-18
WILL WAR On MOTHS:
Department of Agriculture to Help
in SURPRISING Pests.
Seek to Prevent Further Damage to
Orchards and Forests - General
Cleanup Helps-Creosote
for Egg Masses.

WashingtOn.-The department OF
agriculture is making a special effort
this fall to prevent the spread OF
gypsy and brown-tail moths. 1t is the
purpose of the government experts to
put into operation some effective
means of reducing further damage to
orchards and forests by these pests.
In the area infested by these pests
much effective work can be done to
are likely to cause the following year,
according to entomologists of the de-
partment.
The caterpillars of the brown-tail
moth spin web in the fall which
remains on the tips of twigs and
branches during the winter. These
webs should be cut and burned so that
injury will be caused by the cater
pillars the following summer. Par
ticular attention should be given to
grow round dwellings or in or
chards.
The apple, pear, cherry, oak and
willow are among the trees which are
favored as food by the brown-tail
moth caterpillars. In order to mini
mize the damage which is likely to
result, as much time as possible should
be devoted to cutting and burning
worthless or Seeding apple trees and
wild cherry trees and brush. If this
is done along the roadway and fences
the appearance of the region will be
greatly improved.
Care should be taken to protect pine
and other coniferous trees, and hick-
DRY and ash should not be cut. They
are not favored for food either by the
caterpillars of the gypsy moth or those
of the brown-tail moth.
A general cleanup, such as has
been mentioned, will greatly assist in
controlling this insect. The oak is a
favored food of the brown-tail moth
and the gypsy moth, and wherever
it is possible to eliminate oaks, less
annoyance from these pests will be
experienced.
In cutting wood in the winter for
purposes of fuel, the farmer would
do well to select and cut trees which
are favored as food by these insects.
In this way he will not only secure
the fuel which he desires, but will
at the same time decrease the food
supply of the pests mentioned.
1t is needless to say that in cutting
wood for fuel, all sickly or diseased
trees should be selected, SO that the
stand that remains will be healthy
and vigorous. Each owner must
make the selection for himself, but
a great deal can be accomplished by
planning the work a little in advance
so that the necessary amounts of fuel
can be obtained, the preferred food
plants of these insects reduced in
number and the condition of the wood
lot improved.
The gypsy moth occurs in the egg
stage during the winter, and much
valuable work can be done in bring
ing about it's control by treating the
egg masses with creosote applied
with a brush. This destroys the eggs
so that the next brood of caterpillars
is reduced.
For the information of residents of
the district infested by the gypsy
moth and the brown-tail moth 1T
should be said that this area has
been placed under quarantine by the
federal horticultural board. Nursery
stock and living plants cannot be
shipped outside the area unless the
trees or plants have been examined
by an authorized inspector