May. 3, 2012
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched a Twitter feed to help keep the public apprised of its gypsy moth spraying activities. Garrett County is the only county in the state that MDA will spray for gypsy moths this spring.
The Twitter feed can be followed at @MDGypsyMoth while the main MDA Twitter feed can be followed @MdAgDept. The MDA web site www.mda.maryland.gov/go/gypsymoth has also been updated with more comprehensive information about spray activities.
“The gypsy moth is the most destructive pest of forest and shade trees in Maryland. We take great care every year to monitor and survey gypsy moth activities and develop appropriate plans with the resources available,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “When we do spray for gypsy moths, we often get calls from concerned citizens who don’t recognize the helicopters and/or what they’re doing. We are using new social media tools this season to help alleviate concerns before they arise. Follow us on Twitter and see where the aircraft will be.”
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Approximately 2,530 acres of forest land in Garrett County will be sprayed for gypsy moths beginning May 15, weather permitting. A map of where in Garrett County spraying will occur can be found at www.mda.state.md.us/plants-pests/forest_pest_mgmt/gypsy_moth/2012/gaco.html.
Large gypsy moth outbreaks have affected hundreds of thousands of acres statewide over the years. MDA conducts an Integrated Pest Management program to minimize unnecessary losses, through monitoring, assessment, information and education, and pest control actions. In high infestation areas where dieback or mortality cannot be tolerated, MDA will conduct aerial insecticide treatments to protect and preserve the forest and shade trees.
More here.
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