The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture reports that it has captured over 83,700 gypsy moths in more than 10,000 traps this summer as part of the federal Slow the Spread of the Gypsy Moth Program.
State Gypsy Moth Trapping Coordinator Michael Falk says the weather conditions were relatively mild across Wisconsin compared to the previous two years, making it easier for the pests to survive and multiply.
"Winter temperatures were not low enough to kill gypsy moth eggs, and spring conditions did not support the fungal and viral diseases known to kill gypsy moth caterpillars," Falk said. "As a result, gypsy moth populations rebounded after two consecutive years of population decrease."
Gypsy moth trapping is a tracking tool that measures the quantity and location of moth populations. The information helps determine potential sites for next year's aerial spray treatments.
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops