Gypsy Moth Information

The City of Monona participates in the State of Wisconsin's gypsy moth suppression program.  The program aims to control the population of this pest, which naturally explodes to very high numbers (called outbreaks) about every 10 years. During outbreaks, the caterpillars are a nuisance and can strip trees of their leaves, defoliating entire neighborhoods or forests by late June. Most healthy trees can survive one such defoliation, but trees that are weak or stressed prior to defoliation may die.  The gypsy moth will never be eradicated from Wisconsin, but its population can be managed, minimizing the damaging effects of outbreaks.

  

Homeowners who are considering insecticide treatments this spring should contact an arborist or tree service.  The Wisconsin Arborist Association has a list of certified arborists available at www.waa-isa.org.  Additional businesses offering insecticide treatments may be found in the phone book under "Tree Service."  Homeowners can also purchase insecticides (some applied as a soil drench) at garden centers and large retailers.