Gypsy moth - the issue of the season

**"* C* <y*@ispnet.ca>**

Hi GWLers: 

Our big issue locally here in southern Ontario this season is going to be the gypsy moth caterpiller infestions. I got this question today via my website: 

I am interested in your article about the gypsy moth! We in Oakville have learned that some of our lovely forest areas are to be sprayed with btk in May. 

I was interested in your comments that this infestation doesn't last and in a few years is not present in that particular area where it was a problem. I would really appreciate any more thoughts you may have about this as my question to our local officials was to be "What happens if you do nothing?"

As I believe our drought-stressed trees will be in serious jeapordy if they are defoliated, I took this issue up on my blog: http://countrygardener.blogspot.com/2008/03/gypsy-moth-spraying-question-of-season.html

I think a lot of public education needs to be done, beginning with my local paper, which refered to Btk correctly in the opening page, but then on page 2 called it a "chemical" -- of course, the public now fears chemicals and all sprays. 

I'm sure some of you will be facing this too. I know that Poconos in Northeastern PA were seriously infested last spring.

Yvonne Cunnington
www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com
http://countrygardener.blogspot.com

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