Homeowners are beginning to notice an invasive species in their backyards.
The gypsy moth is active in early summer, they can be identified by their hairy backs, blue and red spots.
In its caterpillar stage, the species feed on trees. In great numbers, they are able to defoliate trees statewide.
Forest health specialist with the Department of Natural Resources, James Wieferich said gypsy moths are not a threat to trees like they were in the 1980s and 90s.
“This is a recurring issue that Michigan has dealt with for decades and it comes back here and there,” Wieferich said. “It usually is not a huge issue for the forest ecosystem anymore because it is naturalized. It’s more of a nuisance and trying to keep it out of people’s houses and off of people’s yards.”
The species has been naturalized with a fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga.
With rainfall, the fungus is able to release spores that kill the caterpillars.
In the last three years, the lack of rainfall has contributed to growing numbers of the gypsy moth population.
Wieferich said if you are seeing the caterpillars around your property you can contact the township or county to see if they are spraying for the species. If not, products with BTK as the active ingredient can be used to eliminate them.
In the interest of transparency, we note that the Department of Natural Resources is a financial supporter of WCMU.
