Story posted Wednesday, January 13, 2010
On The Hunt For Gypsy Moths, But For How Much Longer?
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Gypsy Moth egg masses were found throughout Mt. Prospect over the past two weeks after staff from Morton Arboretum and local arborists scoped the village in search of the tree-infecting insect.
The Gypsy Moth is an invasive tree pest that has been found in increasing numbers in Illinois in recent years. Dr. Fredric Miller of Morton joined Public Works staff to search for the fuzzy egg masses on trees, logs and buildings.
According to Mt. Prospect Forestry/Grounds Supt. Sandy Clark, workers went out and inspected nearby areas that were infected by the insect last year.
"We found eggs especially on oak trees," said Clark. "Infestation was village wide and not secluded to just one area."
Clark said large oak trees were found to contain egg masses on Edgewood Lane between Golf Road and Lonnquist Blvd.
"We found insects there last year," said Clark. "Some of the trees had one or two eggs while others had more than 20."
Clark said she is unsure if her department can continue the program to treat the insects due to budgetary constraints made at the end of 2009 for 2010.
"Many nearby towns reported fewer Gypsy moths last year compared to previous years due to the cool and rainy weather we experienced last spring and summer, which kills the caterpillars (Gypsy moths)," said Clark. "It is something we are keeping an eye on but it is something we may have to live with."
Clark said some communities have not treated their parkway trees against the Gypsy Moth infestation.
"Our forestry budget was cut in many areas and we actually had more money last year for Gypsy moths and Emerald Ash Borers (EAB)," said Clark. She said the village spent $7,600 in 2009 to treat 279 parkway trees affected by Gypsy moths. Clark added winter months are a good time to search for the moths.
In spring and summer, Gypsy Moth caterpillars eat the leaves of many tree and shrub species.
Gypsy moths were first found in Mt. Prospect in 2004, when one caterpillar was found. In 2009, the insects were found at more than 200 locations in the village.
Clark noted that, though Gypsy moths especially like oak trees, the caterpillar stage actually feeds on more than 400 tree and shrub species. There are 1,008 oak trees on village parkways, which make up approximately 4% of the total tree population in the village.
"The big question is do we continue to look at trees on private property," said Clark. "The reality is it is pretty common throughout northeast Illinois."
Repeated defoliations can cause trees to become stressed, lead to secondary pest/disease problems, and even cause the death of the tree. Once the caterpillar transforms into a moth in late summer, the females begin to lay their egg sacs which could be attached anywhere on a tree.
Clark said by February or March, she along with her staff and village trustees will decide how and if to further this program for 2010.
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