Gypsy moths on decline in New Jersey

TRENTON (AP) — New Jersey's gypsy moth population appears on the decline.

State Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher says an aerial survey shows the amount of tree damage caused by the caterpillars this year is less than half of what it was last year.

The state says tree damage was concentrated in Morris, Passaic, Bergen and Sussex counties. There was minimal amount of damage in Burlington, Camden, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean and Warren counties.

Gypsy moth caterpillars lay their eggs on trees and emerge in May and early June.

The state says no spray program was needed this year due to fewer caterpillars.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed)