Gypsy Moth Damage Down in State, County

TRENTON — A recently release survey showed damage to trees caused by gypsy moth caterpillars is down throughout the state and in this county compared to years past.
According to a release from the state Department of Agriculture, its annual gypsy moth aerial defoliation survey showed 3,813 acres of trees experienced some level of leaf loss in the state this year, as compared with 91,890 acres last year and 339,240 in 2008, when the pest’s population hit its peak.
In Cape May County, four municipalities showed 1,019 acres of loss compared to 2,246 acres last year and 2,056 acres in 2008.
“We are pleased to see a drop-off in the numbers of gypsy moth caterpillars this year, causing the least damage to forested areas of our state since 1999,” said Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher. “However, given the right conditions, populations can easily rise again, so the Department must continually monitor gypsy moth’s status to continue to control the spread of these tree-killing insects.”
The release stated that this county was the most impacted in the state and Upper Township was responsible for over half of the loss, 538 acres. Dennis Township showed 344 acres of loss; Lower Township, 102 acres; and Middle Township, 35 acres.
In general throughout the state, most tree damage was scattered and in heavily wooded areas, the release explained.
Towns that experienced tree defoliation this year will soon receive letters informing them that they can request the Department to conduct an egg mass survey this fall to determine if spraying is necessary in 2011 to control gypsy moth caterpillars, the release stated.
To access the detailed 2010 New Jersey Gypsy Moth Aerial Defoliation survey and for more information on New Jersey’s gypsy moth suppression program, visit: www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/gypsymoth.html.