Gypsy moths were first discovered in Michigan in 1954. Pests were discovered in Michigan in 1954

However, consecutive years of mass defoliation will start to take a toll, even on the healthiest of mature trees. Even heavily defoliated trees will recover without serious long-term effects. Defoliated trees will begin to develop new leaves in July to replace those that were eaten. Mature forests normally can withstand heavy gypsy moth defoliation with little impact. “That goes a long way in helping trees fend off the effects of defoliation.” “Water trees regularly and avoid damaging the roots and bark,” Wieferich said. The best thing people can do to reduce the effects of pests like gypsy moth on their trees is to promote tree health. Male moths are dark buff in color and fly females are white with black, wavy markings and do not fly. The leaf-eating caterpillars are hairy, up to 2 inches long and have a pattern of blue and dark-red spots. In most cases, gypsy moth caterpillars are more of a nuisance in residential areas on houses and in yards than in the woods.” “Only stressed trees suffering from problems like drought, old age or root damage are at high risk. “Gypsy moth caterpillars rarely kill trees in Michigan,” said James Wieferich, DNR forest health specialist. Heavy defoliation likely will become visible within the next month in localized outbreak areas and persist through mid-July. Department of Natural Resources forest health experts say it is likely that gypsy moth caterpillar populations will crash in some areas while they thrive in others. Last year, defoliation was heaviest in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties, with more localized outbreaks from Manistee south into Newaygo County. A large population in 2020 may lead to more caterpillars hatching this spring in localized areas across Lower Michigan. Large numbers of gypsy moth caterpillars caused widespread defoliation in the state from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. In its caterpillar life stage, the insect is a voracious leaf eater. Gypsy moths are an invasive species, a term for non-native pests that can cause harm to native species and ecosystems. The Michigan DNR - Following defoliation by gypsy moth caterpillars last year across much of the northern Lower Peninsula, Michigan residents across the state may start to notice the loss of leaves on oak, aspen and maple trees again this year.

The Gypsy Moths by James Drought