A report on a very hungry caterpillar
Gypsy moths are non-native. They’re considered invasive. The caterpillars feast on oak and many other hardwood leaves, and can defoliate whole trees. By leaving them alone, Andrew wonders if he’s endangering his backyard oak and even the local biome.
“Do I leave them alone, try to get rid of them, somewhere in between? Is there an in between?” he asks.
Reassuringly, there probably is, says Michigan State University entomologist Deb McCullough. She’s studied gypsy moths for years, and says, though the voracious caterpillars can be a nuisance, there’s no need to panic over them.
Gypsy moth populations are high: What conifer growers need to know
April 16, 2021
There were extremely high populations of gypsy moth during 2020 and we anticipate elevated populations this year. Scout and treat spruce, fir and Douglas fir for gypsy moths.
Photo 1. Gypsy moth aerial survey performed during 2020 showed up to one million acres were defoliated in 2020. Photo from Michigan Forest Health Highlights 2020 Report.
Gypsy moth populations are expected to be very high again this year. According to the Department of Natural Resource’s report, “Michigan Forest Health Highlights 2020,” Michigan’s Lower Peninsula had nearly one million acres that were defoliated by gypsy moth. According to a map of gypsy moth defoliation provided in the report, the heaviest defoliation was in Montmorency, Alpena, Oscoda and Alcona counties in eastern Michigan and Manistee, Lake and Newaygo counties in western Michigan (Photo 1). Other Michigan State University Extension educators report