Towns will be sprayed for gypsy moth problem Insects could destroy up to 45,000 acres of trees in N.J. in '08 BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer While environmental destruction can often be attributed to human beings, smaller culprits are doing their part to wreak havoc, and they are multiplying quickly. "The devastation caused by gypsy moth caterpillars in 2007 was apparent last summer, with vast stands of trees left bare and weakened," New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles Kuperus said. "The Department of Agriculture is working cooperatively with other state agencies, the federal government, municipalities and other entities to secure the tools and resources needed to effectively control the gypsy moth caterpillar population this year, and protect our vitally important shade trees and forests." The state's Gypsy Moth Cooperative Suppression Program is designed to combat further destruction by controlling the insects' population through the use of aerial sprayed insecticide. Last spring, gypsy moth caterpillars stripped leaves from more than 320,000 acres of trees throughout the state, resulting in the death of about 14,000 acres of trees, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA). Destruction from gypsy moths has not reached such high levels since 1990, when over 431,000 acres of trees were defoliated by the pests. Surveys conducted across the state foretell an even greater number of caterpillars than last year, beginning in May and June. If left unchecked, the insects could destroy up to 45,000 acres of trees in New Jersey this year. As part of suppression efforts, municipalities are given the option of having a survey of moth egg mass conducted in the area in order to determine whether they meet with requirements of the program. To qualify, a residential or recreational forest must have an average of greater than 500 egg masses per acre, and consist of at least 50 acres in size. Spraying is slated for the spring in more than 100 towns, totaling 112,500 acres. Of those, about 87,000 acres have been designated as needing second treatments, according to the NJDA. The total cost of the program is an estimated $9 million. "It's really increased throughout the state," Monroe Township Business Administrator Wayne Hamilton said. "It's a real problem. If you have two to three years of infestation, they'll kill the tree." Even when trees survive the defoliation caused by gypsy moths, the damage leaves its mark, rendering the trees susceptible to further harm or death. In East Brunswick, 1,824 acres will be treated; in Old Bridge, 425; in Helmetta, 342; in Jamesburg and Middlesex County/Jamesburg Park, 595; in Monroe, 889; and in Spotswood, 605. Bacillus thuringiensis, a nonchemical insecticide, will be sprayed from helicopters in the fight against the destructive gypsy moths. Its active ingredient is a naturally occurring bacterium, according to the NJDA, and it is one of the least toxic insecticides for use against the moths. A requirement of the program is that municipalities give advance notice of the spraying to residents, school districts and bordering towns. As an additional precaution, no spraying is to be conducted during school commuting hours. Pregnant women will also be warned to remain indoors while specified areas are being treated, according to Hamilton. According to the NJDA, anyone wishing to avoid exposure to the insecticide should stay inside for at least 10 minutes after an area has been sprayed or if outside, use an umbrella. When gypsy moths are less pervasive, the NJDA uses an integrated pest management strategy involving natural controls to reduce the insects' feeding. With population explosions such as the one New Jersey is facing now, however, the moths must be dealt with more aggressively. The program is beneficial to participating municipalities because it allows for a lower cost alternative to combating the moths on an individual basis. By applying for USDA Forest Service cost sharing funds, the NJDA aims to obtain a 50 percent reimbursement of the costs for towns treated. According to Hamilton, the expected cost for Monroe will be about $40 per acre, presenting a considerable savings for the township. He said about five separate areas there will be treated, mostly in the northern portion of town. With a number of states facing infestation problems similar to those of New Jersey, $9 million in federal funds have been allocated to suppressing gypsy moth populations throughout the country. In line with the NJDA's efforts, the state Department of Environmental Protection has plans to treat nearly 10,000 acres in parks and forests throughout the state.