Resident will hope for gypsy moth spraying next year

I am a resident of Plumsted. I've been reading the articles in the newspaper from the concerned residents of Jackson regarding not being treated for the gypsy moth infestation.

Our township was treated (twice, as a matter of fact), but I live in a corner of the township that was left out. Across the street from me is Jackson on Hawkin Road and approximately a half-mile on the corner of Hawkin Road and Route 537 is Upper Freehold Township. The treatment in Plumsted stopped approximately 1 mile up the road from my house.

I contacted the mayor of Plumsted and was told that after the surveys were completed (the aerial surveys for defoliation last spring and the egg mass surveys for infestation in the fall), it was determined to stop the treatment this year two-tenths of a mile past Oakwood Drive, which is approximately one mile from where I reside.

I can sympathize with what the residents of Jackson have gone through with the waste from the caterpillars, the damage done to the trees and at the present time the "snow storm" of moths. Looking at the infestation of moths that we are experiencing right now can only mean that next year will be even more devastating if no treatment is scheduled.

I have been assured by our mayor that he will make sure our area is included in the aerial and defoliation surveys done next year. Unfortunately, I had contacted him too late this year, as the treatment was done already, not that anything would have been done.

While talking to the mayor I was enlightened on how the surveys are completed and that criteria that has to be met for treatment. As told to me by the mayor, unfortunately two large townships that border us had opted out of treatment, those being Jackson and Manchester.

The only light at the end of the tunnel at this point is that the moth infestation should be dying down in a few weeks and at least we can again enjoy outdoor activities. As for next year, the only thing I can rely on is being included in the survey and a wet spring, as it was explained that a wet spring can cause a fungus on the leaves of the trees, which is a deterrent to the gypsy moth infestation.

Laureen Miles

Plumsted