Why are dead Gypsy Moth Caterpillars all over my trees?

Question:Last year it was tent moth caterpillars. This year it's gypsy moths. I believe they are dying of a disease called wilt, because most of them are downward facing or in a v-shape downward on the tree. Some of them are very large, and some are small. I've recieved no notification of any kind of spraying going on in my area. Last year it happened much later in the season. If I brush them lightly with a stick, most of them litterally fall apart.

What is going on in my garden? It's gross having dead caterpillars litterally all over every tree!

Answers:
Someone may have tracked eggs If you travel in areas or have just moved from an area known to have gypsy moths, check vehicles, picnic tables and lawn furniture for the tan hairy gypsy moth egg masses. Remember, it is not difficult to remove egg masses and stop these invaders at their source.


It is impossible to completely rid an area of gypsy moths once they have passed through. Instead, homeowners should focus on keeping their trees as healthy as possible so they will survive gypsy moth infestations, and on keeping gypsy moth populations at manageable levels so little permanent damage is done.

If you are in an area affected by gypsy moths, keep the following points in mind to boost your morale during the ongoing battle:

Gypsy moths do not kill trees in one season. It takes 2-3 consecutive years of over 50% defoliation to kill a healthy tree.

Healthy trees can withstand up to 30% defoliation for several years in a row with few ill effects.

There are many measures that homeowners can undertake both before and after the arrival of the gypsy moth to lessen its impact. Check out site below