Gypsy moths taking over northern New York and Vermont

ELIZABETHTOWN | As residents across northern New York and Vermont celebrate the return of summer-like weather, many have also noticed the return of something else-gypsy moth caterpillars. Agriculture and forestry officials in both states have documented what appears to be higher than average populations of the springtime caterpillar, which can cause early defoliation of oak, maple and pine trees and become nuisances in abundance to homeowners. In Hague, homeowners have returned indoors unable to enjoy their patios and grounds from the wandering mass populations while residents in Clinton County have been reaching out to town and state environmental officials about the problematic return. Recent aerial photos by the Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District showed significant tree defoliation in the Beekmantown and West Chazy areas, where small family-owned maple syrup operations have spent thousands of dollars-more than annual incomes-in combating the spread and damage. According to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and Department of Forest, the invasive moths first arrived in the U.S. more than 100 years ago and have been expanding their range ever since-now making their presence in the upstate regions even more well known in 2021. Trees and shrubs-particularly oak and maple-are the preferred snack of the insects but higher populations cause them to eat more types of leaves and pines. New York and Vermont have not seen significant outbreaks since the 1990s, but officials said they have been present locally at lower levels for decades. Vermont officials said the last major outbreak also saw a prevalent fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga, which significantly decreased the gypsy moth population. Researchers said the fungal pathogen is most abundant in wet weather, meaning the recent years of droughts and drier weather may have resulted in limited fungus spread, allowing the gypsy moth numbers to increase and thrive. Although gypsy moth caterpillars can be damaging, healthy trees can often survive a few years of successive defoliation, though the combined damage and drought conditions can add to tree health stress, officials said. With the current stage of the outbreak, chemical controls are not recommended. According to the Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District, the black and yellow caterpillars with blue and red spots along their backs change behavior in their life cycles in late May when they start feeding on trees. That feeding cycle usually lasts roughly six weeks. New York officials suggest using burlap wrap traps to collect the caterpillars and dispose of them in buckets of soapy water. Homeowners can also keep plants well-watered throughout the summer to reduce growth stress and prepare in advance by removing egg masses from trees between August and May to prevent late-spring infestations. In New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation recently also clarified the agency does not have appropriated funding to address caterpillar populations on private property. More information on gypsy moth identification and mitigation steps can be found at https://www.vtinvasives.org/invasive/gypsy-moth.

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Gypsy moths taking over northern New York and Vermont

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