State to outline battle plan for gypsy moths
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS March 14, 2013 9:26AM
A gypsy moth caterpillar is considered to be a serious forest and urban landscape pest, capable of eating the leaves of 500 species of trees, and can consume up to 11 square feet of foliage in its lifetime. | File photo
Updated: March 14, 2013 1:57PM
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois officials plan to hold four open houses to explain plans to treat northern parts of the state for the destructive gypsy moth.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources presentations will take place March 18 in Montgomery, March 26 in Lemont, March 27 in Lisle and April 2 in Wheaton. Each will detail treatment plans for the area.
The gypsy moth is a non-native caterpillar that has become established in many parts of the United States. It feeds on hundreds of species of trees and shrubs.
State officials say large populations of gypsy moths, which were introduced to North America from Europe, can strip plants bare and leave them vulnerable to further insect attacks or disease.
