(Swanton, OH) A wooded Swanton neighborhood is battling a pesky pest.
A property owner reported the presence of gypsy moths in Swanton’s most highly-wooded area, prompting a field investigation by state forestry officials who discovered a potential infestation.
There were enough signs such as caterpillars, hatched eggs, and chewed leaves to prompt remedial action. Neighbors are placing burlap on trees and the village tree commission is collecting caterpillars through late June, hoping to stop the spread of the gypsy moths, which can defoliate and kill oak trees in just a matter of days.
The hope is to reduce canopy damage along tree-lined streets, with a more extensive effort to be put into place next summer.