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State Sees Reduction in Gypsy Moth Numbers
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 12/10/2019

New figures from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture show that the 2019 gypsy moth trapping season has ended with lower population levels than a year earlier. The agency says nearly 52,400 moths were caught in over 10,900 traps set in Wisconsin this summer. That's 24,000 months less than in 2018 and about 56,000 below the 2017 season.

Experts say last winter's severe cold temperatures may have killed off many of the gypsy moth eggs, especially when coupled with a lack of insulating snow cover.

"For the second straight year, there were several days of severe winter temperatures cold enough to kill gypsy moth eggs throughout Wisconsin," said Michael Falk, trapping coordinator for the program. "These cold temperatures, in combination with our treatments, have helped decrease gypsy moth catches by about one-third since 2018, and one-half since 2017. However, moth populations can rebound quickly given the right environmental conditions."

The gypsy moth is an invasive pest from Europe that has been spreading westward since its introduction to North America in 1869. Gypsy moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of many species of trees and shrubs, especially oaks, and can cause severe defoliation when feeding in large numbers.


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