The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1920-12-24
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Harold L Bailey, in charge of In
sect Suppression under Commissioner
of Agriculture E S Brigham, issues
the following information relative to
the gypsy moth situation in Vermont
Inspections thus far made by the
agents of the state and federal de-
partments of agriculture show that
the insect has infested, scatteringly
but dangerously, the whole eastern
border of the state from Guildhall
to Massachusetts and as far west as
the fourth tier of towns.
Hitherto most of the gypsy moths
found in the state were scattered
about singly, indie ating that they
had been brought in during the
previous summer by birds, wind
spread or otherwise. This year egg
masses frequently are found in
groups or colonies, demonstrating
the insects have begun to breed here
and that they survived the severe
cold winter. This marks The farth-
est advance of their spread which
began in Medford, Mass, fifty years
ago. The situation now calls for
the combined efforts of the federal
and state authorities to so far reduce
the infestation here that the Green
Mountain range may be permanent
barrier against it's further progress
westward, and that the orchards and
forests may be protected from serious
damage where the pest has made its
appearance.
1t is hoped that the insect para
sites which have been imported and
are being distributed will serve, to-
gether with the efforts of individual
tree owners, to control the gypsy
moth. Since, however, the latter
started in the country many years
thing must be done to check it's in
crease in order to allow the para
sites to catch up.
The gypsy moth caterpillar feeds
on nearly all kinds of trees and is
especially attracted to apple and
oak The winter of 1918 killed
probably 500 of the apple trees east
of the mountains. Unprepared as
the great majority Of owners are in
the matter Of spraying, the moths
could very quickly destroy the re-
mainder if left unchecked. 1t would
assist greatly in the eventual con-
troll Of this as well as numerous
other pests If tree owners would
more generally prune and spray their
trees.
The control work at present con-
sists Of inspecting, by crews of state
or federal men, the trunks and lower
branches of the trees where the egg
M acCoc of tha cryrcu moth ara m he
found throughout the fall, winter and
spring. All trees except those of
forest areas are inspected. Careful
investigation has proven that the
moth seldom inhabits the forest I'M
til it has become thoroughly estab-
lished in surrounding orchards and
scattering trees. This presumably
is due to the fact that such birds
as may spread the eggs in winter
seldom frequent the deep woods, nor
would any of the moths which may
be brought in on automobiles, trains
or teams find their wav at first into
the wooded growth The masses are
yellowish brown in color and consist
of from four hundred to six hundred
tiny eggs plastered onto the bark
with a sort Of yellOwish fuzz which
completely covers them. Occasion
ally they may be located on stone,
boards or any object close to the
trees. When found these masses are
soaked with creosote which prevents
them from Matching.
Immediate report Of the finding of
such masses should be made to the
Commissioner Of Agriculture.