WASHINGTON -- Tens of thousands of acres in the area are targeted for spraying to keep the gypsy moth infestation from spreading.

For the first time since 2001, communities like Arlington, Va., have had to ramp up their gypsy moth eradication programs. After two years of drought, the tree-killing bugs are back.

Left unchecked, gypsy moth caterpillars can create extensive paths of destruction.

Arlington resident Karl Liewer said he watched the tree-killing bugs feast on his giant white oak tree last summer. He said the infestation took over his entire front yard.

"It was just awful," he said. "For a month last year, it was virtually unlivable on the property."

Forestry experts said there are signs of trouble already this year.

Urban foresters are now preparing to spray a pesticide made of naturally occurring bacteria by helicopter. Homeowners can opt out by marking their property with balloons.

Homeowners also can help kill the caterpillars by circling their oak trees with flaps of burlap. They caterpillars will hide under the flaps, and the homeowners can then collect them and put them in a bucket of soapy water.