PAGE 4, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988 ]Region toconsider program to control gypsy moth By DEMBIE LUCIIUK Durham Region's trees, crops and gardens could be defoliated on a large scale if the gypsy moth epidemic, already in neighboring Northumberland county, spreads into this area, Durham regional works committee was told last week. According to Jim Tedford, from Northumberland County's gypsy moth control program, the moth defoliates and destroys hardwoods (especially oak), or crops and gardens when trees are not accessible. The moth eats the leaves of the trees, and when the tree refoliates, it resumnes eating. The constant refoliation weakens' the tree, expending a great deal of energy, thus making the tree vulnerable to infections and parasites that kill. When the moth runs out of leaves, it will proceed to crops or the leaves of plants in gardens. Its main deterrerit is swampy areas, which it does not like, or rainy weather. Once a region is infested with gypsy moths, it can neyer be eradicated, only controlled by an integrated pest management plan- ("citizens against moths") -and by spraying of an organic material known as bacillus thuringenienis. Bacillus thuringenienis is a bacteria, fermnented and dried,. sprayed on trees by helicopters. Tedford said the bacteria does not accumulate in the environment and does not affect any other living organism. When the caterpillar eats it, the bacteria breaks down the walls of the stomach with death resulting a few days later. Spraying is used only in highly infested areas, designated under provincial guidelines, and can be opted out of by any landowner in the region affected. Tedford advised the Region to first set 'up an integrated pest management programn, to help landowners help themselves before serlous inifestation occurs. The gypsy moth is now creeping into Newcastle. A decision will have to be made by the Region, in cooperation with nmunicipalities and conservation, authorities. A staff person, in Tedford's view, should be hired to handie the program for the entire region. The integrated ýest mana- gement plan is basicallly a "seek, kidl and destroy" program of any stage of gypsy moth development. Gypsy moth caterpillars, furry with red and blue spots, must be squashed before they settle down' to a lunch of hardwood leaves. Egg sacs, yellowish .pod-like structures found on trees, under eaves and- even parked vehicles, must be, destroyed. A landowner who suspects, a serious infestation should cail the 'regional co-ordinator" or municipality about spraying. If the program. is not implemented, the region could be infested in the next five to 10 years with devastating effects on wildlife, tourism, shelter, parkland and the esthetic value of properties' as well as agriculture and forest products, according to Tedford. Tedford will be speakcing to the regional coundil in the near SEE PAGE 5 THANKS The Pettifer and Hogg familles would like to express their SPECLL7'HANKS to Melanie Pringles and staff for the excellent catering service provided for the wedding reception of Kim and Malcolm on April 23rd/88. The success of this enjoyable evening ensures that the Melanie Pringles Restaurant is the ideal place for future wedding receptions. THANKS AGAIN Melanie and John for an excellent evening filled with special memnories. LOOK ON THýE BRIGNI SIDE. SUNROOFS FROM $169 EACH $MCIMnrd WHITBY 400 DUNDAS ST. E 430-3733 tsidrd