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Normally during the second and third weeks of May, the Virginia Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program conducts its annual aerial spraying of invested forested areas to kill young gypsy moth caterpillars. This will be the first May since Montgomery County began as a cooperating partner that aerial spraying will not occur. This is because we could not locate any areas with the minimum number of egg masses required to qualify for the spray program. In late May and early June of 2009, the weather was quite wet and two natural control agents - a virus and a fungus - killed gypsy moth caterpillars by the millions. As a result, few pupated and emerged as moths to mate and lay eggs.
Caterpillars typically emerge from egg masses in April. After emergence, the caterpillars generally stay on the egg mass surface for a day to several days before beginning to feed on developing leaves. If you suspect that you may have gypsy moth caterpillars, please check the links below for gypsy moth information and photos. The Virginia Tech information and photos on gypsy moth identification may be particularly helpful.
Please be aware that other caterpillars are often mistaken for gypsy moth caterpillars. For example, the highly visible nests of eastern tent caterpillars (frequently built in the crotches of small cherry trees) are often mistakenly taken as gypsy moth infestations. However, gypsy moths do not build nests. You may want to visit the Fairfax County site on caterpillars confused with gypsy moth caterpillars to help with identification.
It is important to report any gypsy moth activity.
To make a report or further information, contact the Montgomery County Gypsy Moth Program Coordinator or County Extension Agent at the numbers and addresses below:
Charles Putnam
Gypsy Moth Program Coordinator
Montgomery County Government Center
755 Roanoke St., Ste. 1G
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: 382-5790
Email: putnamcw@montgomerycountyva.gov
Barry Robinson
Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent
Phone: 382-5790
Email: Barry.Robinson@vt.edu
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