News from the Media

Gypsy moth eggs were first seen hatching near the Quabbin in late April. They have settled there, because of the abundant oak and maple trees. UMass entomologist Tawny Simisky explained how defoliation affects our trees.

“That can weaken the trees and make them more susceptible to secondary invaders- so, other organisms that really aren’t a big problem unless the tree is otherwise unhealthy,” Simisky said. (WWLP 6/12/17)

It is taking place in parking lots, along the sides of roads and anywhere their roots have been unable to spread: diseased white pine trees. UMass Extension comments. (Sun Chronicle 6/10/17)

The gypsy moth caterpillar’s hairs are typically not an issue for most individuals. Tawny Simisky, entomologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension, comments. She said, "For the majority of the population, gypsy moth caterpillars do not cause allergic reactions. This can be dependent upon an individual’s amount and duration of exposure, as well as their own sensitivities." (Cape Cod Times 5/23/17)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Should New England states spray insecticides to kill gypsy moths before they cause another year of widespread tree defoliation? Some politicians want the government to help eradicate the pests, though entomologists, including Joseph Elkinton, entomology professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, say forests will be better off if nature takes care of itself. (5/7/17 Sun Chronicle)” Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension, says a natural fungus has been killing some of the gypsy moths since 1989. (WWLP-TV 22, 5/8/17)

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – They are known for spreading Lyme disease, but ticks can also spread another serious illness. It is called Powassan virus, and it affects the brain. Dr. Stephen Rich, director of the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst explained for 22News the danger that this disease poses.

Entomologists at UMass Amherst report that some of this season’s first gypsy moth egg masses have begun to hatch, as observed on April 26 in Belchertown at a location off Route 202. Extension entomologist Tawny Simisky reports that a single egg mass can hold as many as 1,000 eggs. Gypsy moth is a non-native invasive insect in North America. (TV22, 4/28/17; WBZ4TV; WHDH-TV 7; San Francisco Chronicle; CBSBoston; Recorder; Telegram & Gazette; Boston.com; Western Mass. News)

The tick census is unpredictable. Too many variables affect population size — variables so numerous and hyperlocal that one person’s yard can be teeming while the next door neighbor’s is pristine. UMass microbiology professor, Steve Rich, comments on upcoming season. (Globe 3/20/17)

Unseasonably high temperatures this past week warmed up winter-weary New Englanders, but they also gave a dose of spring to trees. Wesley Autio, the director of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst, said that’s not a problem unless it’s followed by a sudden and severe drop in temperature. (WFCR 2/28/17)

AMHERST -- All that snow that fell over the past few days, and threatens to fall in the coming weeks, is made of water.

But Christine Hatch, assistant extension professor, UMass Amherst, said it may not be enough by itself to solve Massachusetts' persistent drought. Timothy Randhir, a UMass hydrologist, said, "We need more snowpack like this to melt slowly. If it melts away quickly, we will lose it." (MassLive 2/15/17)