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Gypsy moths are a constant problem in Lebanon County - they kill oak trees which residents say add to the natural beauty of the area.
But does the spray used to kill the moths really help?
The Lebanon County's Conservation District Board, which helps preserve the county's natural resources and beauty, says it found after some research that the B.T. spray used to fight the county's gypsy moth problem may not be the best solution after all.
"The board actually voted to recommend to the commissioners that we not proceed with the B.T. spraying," said Jo Ellen Litz, a Lebanon County commissioner and conservation board member.
In 2006 and 2007, gypsy moths hit oak trees especially hard in Mount Gretna. The board says it wants the county to take a look at the way it fights the problem, because the current solution may not be working.
"Taxpayer dollars are being used to fund this program," said Litz. "The B.T. has some effect, in that it can be effective, but there are so many things that have happened. I'm told that the hatch from the eggs as gone from one to three weeks, and the B.T. only lasts for one week."
Residents say the gypsy moth problem can get out of control at times.
"There's a lot of them, and they take over trees, and it's ridiculous," said Lebanon County resident Forrest Borod. "In certain areas, there's an entire tree just covered with them."
The Pennsylvania Game Commission says spraying for gypsy moths has worked in the past.
"The gypsy moth spraying program has been very effective where we've been able to catch the outbreak," said game commission member Dave Gustafson.
The Lebanon County Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center. The public can come out and give input regarding the issue.
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