The Elbert County tribune., 1915-11-05
WILL WAR ON MOTHS
Department Of Agriculture to Help
in Suppressing Pests.
Seek to Prevent Further Damage TO
Orchards anu Forests = General
Cleanup Heips-creosote
for Ees Masses.

E
Washington. department OF
agriculture is making special effort
this fall to prevent the spread of
gypsy and Lrown-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
Eluch effective work can be done to
reduce the damage that these insects
are likely to cause the following year.
according to entomoiofists OF the dc
partment.
The caterpiilars 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 Lrd burned so that
injury will be caused by the cater
pillars the following summer Par.
ticuiar attention sh ,uld be given to
webs of this insect on trees which
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 caterpiilars. In order to mini
mfze 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 win be
greatly improved
Care should be taken to protect pine
and other coniferous .rees, and hick-
ory and ASH should not be cut. They
are not favored for food either by the
caterpillars of the gypsy moth OF those
OF the brown-tail moth.
general cleanup. sucn as has
Deen mentioned. will greatly assist in
controlling this insect. The oak is a
favored food of the brown-tai 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 foI
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 fueh all sickly or diseased
trees should be selected. so that the
stand that remains will be healthy
ana 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 oil 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 its control by treating the
egg masses with creosote apple 4
with 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 II
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 srea unless the
trees or plants have been examined
by an authorized inspector.