Gypsy Moth

Since its introduction into the United States in 1869, the gypsy moth has defoliated millions of acres of trees in both forest and urban settings across the northeast United States. Originally introduced into Massachusetts, the gypsy moth has spread north to Maine, west to Wisconsin, and south to North Carolina, infesting 19 states and Washington, DC. Despite numerous state and local control efforts, the infestation continues to move south and west.

Gypsy moth caterpillar

When gypsy moth populations reach outbreak levels, which can occur in an area about every 10 years, they have the ability to defoliate entire trees or forests. Gypsy moth is not a picky eater, and will feed on over 200 species of trees, both deciduous and evergreen.

The gypsy moth was first detected in Wisconsin in the mid-1970s in the eastern part of the state. In 1989, the gypsy moth had established populations along Wisconsin's eastern shore from Milwaukee to Green Bay. Since then, moths have been found in nearly every county and the eastern half of the state is recognized as infested. Quarantines have been placed on wood product exports from those counties and many participate in an annual suppression program to keep potential defoliation at a minimum.

For more information, call 1-800-642-MOTH (6684) or visit the Wisconsin Gypsy Moth Internet site at gypsymoth.wi.gov [exit DNR].