MDA Preparing to Treat More than 11,000 Acres in Garrett County for Gypsy Moth

Helicopters spraying for gypsy moth.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is scheduled to begin aerial spraying in Garrett County tomorrow to combat the destructive Gypsy Moth, an invasive pest that destroys forest and shade trees. More than 11,000 acres over 58 individual areas across the county will be treated. All property owners directly affected by the spraying have been notified by letter.

Maps of areas to be sprayed as well as the spray schedule are on MDA’s website here.

When MDA begins spraying, residents can follow MDA’s Gypsy Moth Twitter for frequent updates on the progress of the helicopters. Follow @MDGypsyMoth.

Every year, MDA monitors the presence and severity of gypsy moth infestations and assesses potential damage and tree loss. Predators, parasites, and diseases often kill gypsy moths; however, when the natural enemies fail to suppress high infestations, MDA will work with federal and local governments to conduct aerial insecticide treatments to protect and preserve forest and shade trees. In FY 2012, MDA surveyed more than 467,000 acres and treated 2,530 acres – all of it in Garrett County. The last major outbreak was in 2007-2008 when more than 68,000 trees lost most of their leaves and MDA treated more than 99,000 acres.

For more information about the Forest Pest Management Program.

See a recent blog post about the Gypsy Moth Program:

For more comprehensive info on gypsy moth.

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