The Gypsy Moth problem was less in 2009 than in the two previous years. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s annual gypsy moth aerial defoliation survey showed 91,890 acres of trees experienced some level of leaf loss in the state in 2009, as compared with 339,240 acres in 2008.

In Shamong, NJ, the gypsy moth problem
was not as bad in 2009 as in 2008 and much less than in 2007 even though Shamong did not do any aerial spraying in 2009.

We did not find near as many gypsy moth caterpillars on our trees. When we did find caterpillars they seemed sickly, or dead.
See photo at the right.

In 2009, as in 2008, it is believed that the situation was helped by the cool, wet weather in late April and early May. The wet weather allowed the caterpillar's natural enemy, the fungus "Entomaphaga Mamaiga" to multiply and thrive. It likely killed many, and maybe even most, of the gypsy moth larvae.

Also, more Shamong homeowners wrapped trees with burlap sprayed with "Eradicoat." Gypsy moths die shortly after coming into contact with the treated burlap.

In 2009, the results of trees having been badly defoliated in 2007 became very apparent. Many trees never recovered and are now dead and will have to be removed at considerable expense. Some are already being removed. Examples are shown below.

Photos of Trees Killed by Gypsy Moths

Oak tree killed by gypsy moths. This tree will have to be removed.

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Trees killed by gypsy moths along Route 70, near the Route 72 Circle.

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Trees killed by gypsy moths being removed along Willow Grove Road in Shamong Township.