Reproducing Gypsy Moths Seen In Washington For First Time In 40 Years

PUYALLUP, WA - The state Department of Agriculture announced Monday that it had trapped reproducing female gypsy moths for the first time in 40 years, which is how long the state has been monitoring for the pests. The moths were discovered in the Puyallup-Graham area after trappers noticed an "unusually high" number of moths in the traps.

The trappers found about 100 females and 80 males. In a normal year, according to the state, trappers usually find about 25 males statewide. Many traps across the state have only captured one or two moths so far in 2017, but traps in Graham and Puyallup have captured many more.

The state has been monitoring for the moths since 1974, and since then has been able to keep a full-scale infestation at bay.

"While we have found evidence of reproducing gypsy moths in the past, we've never found female moths actively laying eggs in our state," WSDA Pest Program Manager Jim Marra said in a press release. "To halt the egg-laying activity and remove this infestation before the caterpillars hatched likely saved our state from an extensive, multi-year eradication project that would have cost millions of dollars."

The state calls the gypsy moth the "most damaging forest insect pest ever introduced into North America." Removal of the moths is extremely destructive. In 2008 alone, 30,000 acres of trees in New Jersey died as a result of defoliation efforts, which is one a method of eradicating the moths.

If you think you've seen gypsy moths in your area, contact the state Department of Agriculture at 1-800-443-6684 or email gypsymoth@agr.wa.gov. If you need help identifying a moth, visit the state's gypsy moth information page: agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth.

Image via state of Washington