COAL TOWNSHIP -- It's time to start spraying for gypsy moth caterpillars, but the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will not be spraying in Northumberland County.
Commissioners there did not sign up for the spraying program in time and some people are taking matters into their own hands.
Gypsy moth caterpillars destroy trees and are known to be one of the most destructive pests in Pennsylvania.
"It was the dirtiest appearing thing that could ever happen to your house," said Jane Treese of Coal Township.
"Everybody had problems with the gypsy moths last year and everybody expects it to be the same, if not worse, this year," said Dennis Christiana of Coal Township.
All across the state, DCNR will start to spray for the bugs, but not in Northumberland County.
Last year's board of commissioners did not opt into the state's spraying program. Both Rick Shoch and Vinny Clausi did not have an answer for why they did not sign up.
"They were a big problem last year and potentially a big problem this year. But what we have done is posted on our website some vendors who will spray," explained Commissioner Sam Schiccatano, (R) Northumberland County.
Because the gypsy moth problem was so bad last year, some of the neighbors in Coal Township decided to band together this year and take care of the problem.
"If the county's not going to spray we're going to get together and do it ourselves," said Christiana.
People who live in this neighborhood near Shamokin say it is cheaper if they contact a gypsy moth caterpillars spraying company and have the company spray all of their houses at once. The neighbors split the price.
"Between $35 and $60, which you wouldn't refuse," said Treese.
"For this year, I mean, that's the thing to do and it would eliminate a big problem in the future," added Commissioner Schiccatano.
Commissioners say they plan to opt into the state's spraying program next year.
NOTE: Viewers have contacted us regarding the ape seen in the background in the story. It is an ape... well, sort of. Below is the explanation.
