How to identify and get rid of gypsy moth larvae

Are your trees looking a little rough in the middle of summer? Do you live in the northeastern part of the US? Well, you might be dealing with gypsy moths. These caterpillars are notorious for their ability to strip trees of their leaves, leaving them vulnerable to other threats. While the adult moths are relatively harmless, it’s the caterpillars that do the real damage, chomping through leaves like there’s no tomorrow.

Gypsy moths spend the winter as eggs, they hatch in the spring, and the caterpillars start feeding right away. By the time they’re done, your trees might look more like winter than summer.

They are originally from Europe and parts of Africa, but they were accidentally released in 1869. Someone had the idea of breeding the moths with silk moths to improve the silk production industry in the 19th century. However, they got out of their facility and began spreading across the US, damaging forests and impacting ecosystems.

Gypsy moth infestations are easy to spot if you know what to look for. The caterpillars are easily recognizable, with their hairy bodies, blue and red dots, and habit of feeding in large groups. The adult males are brown and can fly, while the females are white, bigger than males, and don’t fly. Look for tan, fuzzy egg masses as well—these are often the first sign of an infestation.

How big are gypsy moth larvae?

Gypsy moth caterpillars can grow up to 2 inches long.

What pests look like gypsy moths?

In the caterpillar stage, they often can look similar to bagworms.

These moths are typically found in the northeastern parts of the US, but they continue to spread west over time. They are currently as far west as Wisconsin.

Catching gypsy moth issues early is always better before tree damage becomes too much. You can manage gypsy moth caterpillars by:

• Handpicking: Remove and destroy egg masses, caterpillars, and pupae by hand, especially during early spring.
• Encouraging natural predators: Birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects like parasitic wasps can help control gypsy moth populations.
• Cleaning outdoor surfaces: Regularly clean outdoor furniture, fences, and other surfaces to remove egg masses and prevent further infestation.

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