DATE:   11/9/99
WRITER: Beth Kane, (864) 656-2150
EDITOR: Bill Baker, (864) 656-3875

Check Christmas Trees for Gypsy Moth Eggs 

     CLEMSON -- So you've finally found the perfect Christmas
tree. Just the right height, color and width. But look out for
that "big wad of gum" stuck there on the branches. 
     In entomological terms this could be the sandy-colored,
hairy egg masses of the gypsy moth. Each egg mass can contain up
to 850 gypsy moth eggs. 
     To prevent their entry and spread into South Carolina, field
entomologists with Clemson's Department of Plant Industry
randomly inspect Christmas tree lots that handle trees imported
into South Carolina, beginning at Thanksgiving. 
     About 19 states from Maine to Virginia are infested and
suffer continual episodes of defoliation by gypsy moths,
according to Ken Glenn, assistant department head with Plant
Industry.
     Although gypsy moths and their eggs have been found in South
Carolina numerous times since the early 1970s, vigilance has
helped prevent a major infestation here. 
     "Every time we've caught it early we have been able to stop
it. Conducting these inspections is a good way to catch an
invasive species early," Glenn said. 
     Anyone who finds gypsy moth egg masses on Christmas trees 
should contact the Department of Plant Industry. A tree
containing eggs which is discarded after the holidays will mostly 
likely result in caterpillars in the spring. Egg masses are
usually small --3/4 inch wide to 1.5 inches long -- and are
off-white to yellowish in color. They are most likely to be found
on the trunk of the tree. 
     To avoid moth eggs, Glenn suggests checking a tree carefully
before purchasing it. Locally grown trees have not been exposed
to gypsy moth. 
     For more information, contact the Clemson University
Department of Plant Industry at (864) 646-2130.
                         END