Gypsy moth is another non-native or invasive species. Tree damage is caused by the insect larvae, or caterpillars, which emerge from their eggs beginning in early spring and continuing through mid-May. The larvae move to the leaves of trees and begin to chew, mostly at night. Though they prefer oak and maple, there are very few trees they will not eat. During daylight hours, larvae generally seek shade from the sun but feeding can occur in daytime in heavy infestations. Feeding continues until mid-June or early July when the caterpillar enters the pupal stage emerging, finally, as a moth. The moths do little damage, but they mate and females lay between 400-600 eggs. There are no natural predators so populations build rapidly.
Did you know that a non-toxic biological spray (BT) will stop gypsy moth in its tracks?
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