Helicopter flys low over Dingman Township during this year's spraying

MILFORD – Pike County’s gypsy moth spraying program next summer could involve three times the acreage sprayed this summer, based on applications received by the deadline.

Susan Beecher, District Manager of the County Conservation Office, said that the gypsy moth spraying program has had 500 applications, covering some 37,000 acres for the coming year. “Last year we had only 11,000 acres in the program,” said Beecher. She noted that a majority of the applications have been approved.

“Because of such a large amount of acreage, the applicants’ cost will be significantly higher than last year,” Beecher added.

She estimates the cost to the county will be around $800,000. She said she didn’t know if the state funding cuts will affect the program.