Gypsy moth is an episodic organism that exists at low populations. Low populations grow into high populations, which crash and the episode starts over again.

 During high population levels, total defoliation can occur. During the months of June and July, defoliating populations cover sidewalks, homes, children’s play equipment and other objects making outdoor activity in residential and recreational areas almost impossible.

For Michigan’s nursery industry, it means additional expense and additional pesticide use as they try to eliminate egg masses from plant material slated to go into areas without gypsy moth.

For the forest products industry, high gypsy moth populations mean the potential loss of wood fiber from reduced production due to tree stress or mortality. Loggers also have to deal with making sure their material does not have egg masses to avoid moving gypsy moths into non-infested areas.

From the perspective of landowner nuisance, its impact on wood fiber production and interstate movement of Christmas trees and nursery stock, gypsy moth continues to be a serious plant pest in Michigan.