Before entering any lands and premises and starting the work of abating and suppressing the gipsy moth in its preliminary stages and protecting surrounding vegetation or plant life therefrom, the department shall cause a notice to be given to the occupants of all affected lands and premises, setting forth the nature of the action that it is proposed to take and fixing a time therefor, in the following manner:

a. By two separate insertions in a newspaper qualified to accept legal notices published in the county of the proposed treatment or other action and circulating in the affected area. The two insertions shall appear at least 7 days apart, the first of which shall be not earlier than 21 days prior to the proposed date of treatment or other action and the second of which shall be not later than 7 days prior to the proposed date thereof, and

b. By mailing a notice by regular first class mail to the occupant of each affected parcel of property no later than 10 days prior to the proposed date of treatment or other action.

Amended by L.1975, c. 69, s. 1, eff. April 14, 1975.