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Gypsy
Moth
Sighted
From now until midsummer, gypsy moth caterpillars are hatching from eggs that were deposited by the female last summer. To detect the crawling caterpillars, inspectors from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, are visiting sites where gypsy moth activity was reported in 1982 and placing burlap strips around the trunks of hardwood trees. Inspectors will check under the burlap bands twice weekly for gypsy moth caterpillars.
According to plant pest officials, the newly-hatched caterpillars feed during the daytime but as they grow, their feeding habits change and they begin to feed on the tree’s leaves at night. During the day, they crawl down the trunk to see protected places which are conveniently provided by the burlap bands and where they are easily detected. The purpose of early detection is primarily to pin-point the size and severity of the infestation, although caterpillars that are found will be destroyed.
The gypsy moth caterpillar season is from late April to early July. They eventually reach a length of 2-3 inches in late June to early July and are recognized by the pairs of red and blue spots on their back. They are voracious eaters.
Persons who find these caterpillars on their property should immediately contact the nearest VDACS Plant Pest Control Section Office, the county forester, or the local Virginia Tech extension agent.
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