Western Maryland wants more spraying for gypsy moths

FREDERICK — Concerned with the economic and environmental impacts of gypsy moth infestation, officials from Garrett, Allegany and Frederick counties argued Wednesday that Western Maryland needs to be a top priority for the aerial spraying used to kill the invasive pests.

Members of a gypsy moth task force and other state officials met in Frederick to discuss the statewide infestation problem and make recommendations on effective means of suppression.

Gypsy moths are the most destructive forest pests in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. They eat the leaves on hardwood trees, causing...