From our media partner at WOOD TV:
HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) — State experts are warning about an influx in gypsy moths this year, leading to more tree damage in West Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the invasive pest's large population last year spawned more leaf-eating caterpillars hatching this spring.
MDNR says while defoliation by the gypsy moth caterpillar is heaviest in Barry, Ionia and Washtenaw counties right now, residents will likely see localized damage within the next few weeks through mid-July.
Forestry experts with MDNR say gypsy moths target trees stressed by drought, old age and root damage, but rarely kill them. Experts say leaf damage typically happens the season following a drought-prevalent year, like the summer of 2018.
The good news: healthy trees will develop new leaves in July to replace those that were eaten.
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