2019 Gypsy Moth Trapping Season Ended With Lower Numbers
Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 -- 8:39 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -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 moths 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.
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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