Gypsy Moth

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources describes gypsy moth caterpillars as dark gray or brown with five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots down their backs. As they age, black hairs on their bodies grow longer. Older caterpillars can be about 2-1/2 inches long. Adult male gypsy moths are gray-brown while females are whitish with brown markings. Males have feathery antennae that they use to detect the females’ pheromones.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture’s control measures include conducting gypsy moth suppression projects in already infested areas.

Prevention methods include pheromone trapping and eradication project in areas generally not infested.

The impact of gypsy moths include forest ecosystem degradation, economic losses to businesses, loss of recreational opportunities in areas severely defoliated, reduced private property values, and nuisance from gypsy moth caterpillars.

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