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ice at Virginia Tech.
Bt, which is more expensive but less effective, is nevertheless still popular in some areas because it is a naturally occuring microorganism and has fewer side effects in the environment, he said.
Gypchek, a species-specific virus which is fatal to gypsy moths, is also being applied in limited areas on an experimental basis, Mr. Ravlin added. If Gypchek’s promise pans out, it could be the control scientists have been seeking since the infestation began 120 years ago.
Aerial spraying, Mr. Williams said, kills the larvae. "But in heavily infested areas, you may need to spray twice." The county extension office can assist with finding businesses specializing in aerial spraying. Cost is based on acreage and the pesticide used; there are two choices. Dimilinor Bt.
“You need to assess the value of your timber before you take this step," Mr. Williams advised landowners considering control measures. "If you have a great deal of ‘scrub trees,' or not first quality timber, then it’s not to your benefit to spray."
Mr. Williams also advised landowners considering spraying to consult with their neighbors. Since spray costs are determined by acreage. with price per acre falling as the area increases in size, a joint effort between neighbors can be cost-effective for all.
"The key is spraying at the right time,” Mr. Williams said, explaining that property owners should walk their land and determine the time when most larvae are visible.
As the larvae begin to emerge from their winter egg stage, he added, aerial spraying companies will be busy with commitments, so he suggested that reservations for property spraying should be made as soon as possible.
Mr. Williams said that landowners should not feel unnecessary alarm at using either Dimilin or Bt, since the effects of both are almost exclusively limited to the munching caterpillars and pose little threat to humans or other animals in the wild.
Smaller landowers with minor infestations can spray their property with either of the two sprays, which are available at farm cooperatives and farm supply stores, and at some lawn and garden centers. Mr. Williams cautioned that directions for application should be followed carefully, and like all other chemical formulations, should not be applied in greater concentrations than directed.
Besides spraying, there are several other means which can be used to control the pesky caterpillars.
Wrapping burlap bands around the trees and removing the caterpillars when they seek its protection is one, obviously labor intensive, means of control.
“You have to pick the larvae off each day,” Mr. Williams said, explaining that the larvae crawl down from one tree and up into another to continue eating. They are stopped by the burlap wrap, but only temporarily; they will resume their search for food as they discover the way around the wrap.
Dispose of the larvae by dropping them in a container of gasoline
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