The Gypsy Moths Are Coming

From WaPo:

Officials Warn About Gypsy Moth Outbreak

Maryland is experiencing its worst outbreak of gypsy moths in a dozen years, state officials said yesterday, and they encouraged homeowners to report trees denuded by the pests.

State officials said the moth's caterpillars emerge in the spring and eat the leaves of oak and other trees. This year has been worse than most, they said, because of the moth's population cycles and dry conditions that encourage their growth. Anyone whose trees have been attacked by the caterpillars is asked to report the outbreak to the Maryland Department of

Agriculture. Residents of Montgomery, Howard and Frederick counties should call 301-662-2074. Residents in Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties and the three counties of Southern Maryland should call 301-782-7155.