R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-17-1: Nuisances.

The pupae, nests, eggs and caterpillars of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, and these moths, are declared public nuisances, and their suppression is authorized and required. No owner or occupant of an estate infested with those nuisances shall by reason of this infestation be liable to an action, civil or criminal, except to the extent and in the manner and form set forth in this part 1.