Large Caterpillar Populations Expected This
Spring
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| Note: five blue dots followed by six red dots |
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
(DEM) reports that moderate to high concentrations of gypsy moth caterpillars
are expected this spring across the state.
While a nuisance, the caterpillars do not pose
a public health threat and will eventually die off naturally.
As a result of the anticipated large numbers
of caterpillars, widespread defoliation of trees and shrubs is also expected;
however, these effects will be temporary. The vast majority of the state's
impacted tree canopy is expected to recover.
Caterpillars have just begun hatching from egg masses.
Once hatched, they will disperse with the wind on thin threads of silk.
As the caterpillars grow, they will become
increasingly noticeable on tree trunks and on the underside of leaves.
The State will continue to monitor
caterpillar populations and the resulting defoliation. At this time, the state
does not plan to apply pesticide to control caterpillar populations.
Widespread use of pesticides can be
detrimental to the environment and harmful to other insects and wildlife.
In recent years, gypsy moth populations have been on the
rise due to dry spring weather conditions.
Last year, aerial surveys and ground
sampling conducted by DEM documented the defoliation of close to 226,000 acres
of forestland.
An outbreak of gypsy moth in the mid-1980s
defoliated 411,000 acres of Rhode Island forestland.
For more information on gypsy moths and expected impacts,
visit www.dem.ri.gov/gypsymoths. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or
Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.
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