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Public Works--Gypsy Moth

What is Gypsy Moth?
Gypsy Moth is an exotic insect pest introduced to the United States in 1869 in Massachusetts.  Since then it slowly spread through the native forests of the eastern United States.  When local populations of Gypsy Moth grow, widespread defoliation can transpire causing tree decline and death.  Since Gypsy Moth has few native predators, it is often necessary to employ pest management programs to keep their population within acceptable thresholds.

gypsy moth

Is Gypsy Moth in Gurnee?
Lake County has been under quarantine since gypsy moth first appeared in 2000. During the summer of 2008, the Hickory Haven neighborhood and a retention area near Grand Avenue and Fuller Road experienced an outbreak that led to the defoliation of several mature oak trees.

What is the Village doing to protect our urban forest?
Because Gypsy Moth is an alien pest with few natural predators, the Village is currently working to institute a pest management program for these areas in the spring/summer of 2009. (Click here to view a PDF of the proposed spraying areas.) This program will include increased monitoring and an aerial application of a bacterial agent that targets Gypsy Moth caterpillars.

Where can I find additional information about Gypsy Moth?
Additional information about Gypsy Moth, the Village’s pest management program, and our community forestry efforts is available on the Village website or by calling the Public Works Department at (847) 599-6800.

What can I do to help?
Please help us by reporting any tree pest or disease sightings in your area. Only with your help can we preserve our urban forest for generations to come.

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Revised 03/03/09
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