Presentations set on gypsy moth treatment

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois officials plan to hold four open houses to explain plans to treat northern parts of the state for the destructive gypsy moth.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said in a news release this week that the presentations will take place March 18 in Montgomery, March 26 in Lemont, March 27 in Lisle and April 2 in Wheaton. Each will detail treatment plans for the area.

The gypsy moth is a nonnative caterpillar that has become established in many parts of the United States. It feeds on hundreds of species of trees and shrubs.

State officials say large populations of gypsy moths, which were introduced to North America from Europe, can strip plants bare and leave them vulnerable to further insect attacks or disease.