Gypsy Moths

In 1981 the town sprayed with BT (Bacillus Thuringiensis) to combat the huge influx of the caterpillars that covered the trees and houses. That year gypsy moths defoliated a record 12.9 million acres. Gypsy moths are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. They were brought to America in 1869 by a French naturalist trying to breed them with silkworms. Some of the larvae escaped during his experiments in Medford, MA.

Town annual reports, 1979-1984.

--Glenda 15:28, October 2, 2006 (EDT)

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