01-05-84 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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} y ' '' �h 'M�11Ar �41�rfK,!�a, C: n.x�e•t1�n�l{qTM„., -2- DAMAGING TREE INSECTS 4111GYPSY MOTH Of utmost importance in the realm of new forest insects is the successful trapping of male gypsy moths in four different traps in southwest Mounds View. A general end analysis of an active gypsy moth infestation would by comparable standards dwarf the cummulative effect of Dutch elm disease . and oak wilt combined . Thus the implications of these trappings are major . Meetings and discussions with the responsible State and Federal officials re- vealed the following facts : 1 . Such trapping results are not final proof of an " infestation” or imminent danger to trees. 2. A foot search for "egg masses" of the moth was not carried out in Mounds View. The finding of egg masses is the general level that the experts define an " infestation" . Egg masses , however, were found in a neighboring community during such a search. It could be said that Mounds View would rank third or fourth among those communities to be prioritized in State and Federal trapping efforts for 1984 . 3 . Aerial spraying of Woodbury and the St. Paul Phalen area for " infestations" have yielded satisfactory results. 410 4 . The 1984 trapping results will most probably define the pro- blem, if any, in Mounds View. It should be noted that gypsy moth larvae ( caterpillars) can de- foliate all trees ( including pines and spruce) but generally pre- fer oaks. OTHER DAMAGING INSECTS Foremost among defoliating insects were once again the spring and fall cankerworms and linden looper. Preferred species were ap- ple , oak and basswood trees. Additionally, a preference switch to maples was seen . Defoliation was severe in some parts of nor- thern Mounds View and , as usual , occurred in the spring. Mountain ash sawfly ( larval caterpillar stage ) surfaced across the City with negligable damage being incurred. Likewise , aphids were seen in concentrations on willows and other species with little or no damage . The "gall" insects had a banner year in 1983 with a newcomer, wooly oak gall , yielding more than 50 calls, questions or inspec- tion requests from residents. It was encouraging to note that a number of these people confused the buff-colored galls for gypsy moth egg masses. The public may be more informed on this matter than previously thought. Other bothersome galls were maple vel- vet call and maple bladder gall on soft maple and long spruce 4111 cone gall on Colorado blue spruce .