Your turn: Gyspy moths driving you nuts?

They’re back …

As gypsy moth caterpillars hatch from egg masses and find their way up oaks and white birches, Centre County and the state are preparing to take action.

And county residents are beginning to notice the emergence of the intrusive caterpillar that ate through masses of trees last year.

Spraying of those parts of the county that qualified for the state program could begin as early as next week.

Residents whose property didn’t qualify for the program — and even residents whose property did qualify — can take extra steps to control the caterpillar. Using a commercial insecticide, such as Eradicoat, for example, is an option to try to combat the caterpillars before they begin devouring tree leaves.

Karl Mierzejewski, county gypsy moth coordinator, said some people have an allergic reaction to the gypsy moth’s hairs. Otherwise, there is no reason to fear them. The trees are the ones at risk, he said.

“These are strictly vegetarians,” Mierzejewski said.

The caterpillars haven’t begun feeding yet. But they will be hungry soon. Read Sunday’s Centre Daily Times to find out what the county and state are doing and what residents can expect.

In the meantime, you can join the discussion today: