Over the past several years, various areas of the state have been hit hard by the invasive Gypsy moth. This year many areas of St Clair County have seen the brunt of the outbreak. This includes Kimball Township.
The devastating effects of the Gypsy moth occur generally from April – mid July. This is when the moth is in the caterpillar stage. You will see caterpillars on trees. Trees with leaves partially or completely removed by the caterpillars in this stage. It’s not uncommon for property owners to report sounds of “rain” as the partial leaves and even excrement from the caterpillars comes down from the trees.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the season of destruction from the caterpillars is nearly over. Generally around July 4 the Gypsy moth will move into a new life stage. Second, although trees may be completely stripped of leaves, most will recover. It is important that your trees get the necessary water and nutrients they need to return to good health.
Survey
Supervisor Usakowski has met with other area community leaders regarding the Gypsy moth and what steps we can take in the future to reduce the damage. The most important item we need now is data and information. The Township has set up a page to collect that information:
We will conduct a second survey later in the year related to the egg masses that you may find.
Resources
Here are some resources provided by the Friends of the St Clair River that you may find helpful. If you have any questions in the mean time, please reach out to Supervisor Usakowski or one of our clerical staff.
Friends of the St. Clair River Gypsy Moth blog posting
https://www.scriver.org/gypsy-moth-an-unwelcome-start-to-summer/
Friends of the St. Clair River Gypsy Moth hiding band installation & maintenance video
https://youtu.be/9h6e5ZyLdKQ
MSU Extension Macomb County Gypsy Moth Suppression Program
https://msue.macombgov.org/MSUE-Programs-GypsyMothSuppression
Michigan State University Gypsy Moth Integrated Pest Management
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN)
https://www.misin.msu.edu/
Rochester Hills Gypsy Moth Program
https://www.rochesterhills.org/departments/parks_and_natural_resources/gypsy_moth.php
Roscommon County Gypsy Moth Program Landowner Guide
http://www.roscommoncounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/1687/Gypsy-Moth-Management-
Gypsy Moth
Gypsy moth invading a tree
Effects of Gypsy Moth
