The Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar, is a destructive forest pest. Gypsy Moth caterpillars are known to feed on the foliage of hundreds of species of plants, but in North America the most common hosts are oaks and aspen. When Gypsy Moths are in high populations trees may become completely defoliated, after several years of defoliation the trees eventually die.
Because of the potential threat to hardwood trees in the state of Mississippi, pest detection surveys were carried out to catch “hitchhiker” Gypsy Moths which may be spread into the state by transportation vehicles, recreational vehicles and other carriers from infested areas. Intensive surveying continued this year with approximately 3,500 traps being placed throughout the state by USDA-APHIS-PPQ and BPI personnel.
Gypsy Moths have been found at RV Parks and a campground and assumed to be transient moths.
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Plant Pest Program
Kacey Watson
Kacey@mdac.ms.gov
P.O. Box 5207
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: (662) 325-7761
Fax: (662) 325-8397
