July 29, 2008

The Virginia Department of Forestry says defoliation by gypsy moths has increased 46 percent this year.

Officials say the moths have defoliated 112,340 acres of forest across the state. That's an increase of almost 39,000 acres over last year's total.

Defoliation has occurred across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests close to the West Virginia state line and in the Shenandoah National Park and other areas of Augusta, Rockingham and Giles counties.

Forest Health Specialist Doctor Chris Asaro says most trees can withstand one complete defoliation, but many areas are in the second or third year of severe damage.

Asaro says spreading will continue despite state and federal agencies' efforts to slow the spread of the gypsy moth through widespread trapping and mating disruption techniques.