Numbers of Gypsy moths reach record

State officials say the gypsy moth, an insect that invaded Illinois 20 years ago, has reached record numbers this year.

James Cavanaugh of the Department of Agriculture says part of the problem is a fungus known to kill the caterpillars has been dormant, probably because of dry weather last year. He says this year's wet, cool weather should help the fungus kill more of the caterpillars next year.

That's small comfort to Ken Klos of rural Wonder Lake. He says the brownish caterpillars stripped his 50 green oak trees bare of leaves within a week.

The Agriculture Department has quarantined several counties to slow the spread of the insect larvae. Local tree and shrub growers are encouraged to spray their plants and have them inspected before receiving a certificate to allow them to sell and ship their goods.