Camping with Family and Friends is Promoted by Wisconsin Camper's Association
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Becky brought the Gypsy Moth Exhibit to Campvention to show campers and the children how to help stop the spread of the gypsy moth and the Emerald Ash Borer.
Imagine if there wasn’t a leaf on a tree and they stood as bare as January in July. That’s what has happened now that the GYPSY MOTH has taken hold in eastern Wisconsin. Gypsy Moth was brought to the United States from Europe in 1869 and has been causing trouble ever since. The caterpillars feed on up to 600 different trees and shrubs and can defoliate them completely. With the first infestation of the gypsy moth, the federal government instituted “quarantine” areas. Attempts to slow the spread of Gypsy Moth include inspection of any items from “quarantine” that could harbor Gypsy Moth lifestages. Some items include: firewood, vehicles, campers, picnic tables and tents and any almost any other outdoor article.
The adult white female cannot fly and we know that the main mover of the insect is human activity. She will lay her eggs on just about anything and if these eggs are moved to a new location and hatch then we may have a new Gypsy Moth population in that area. From May to mid-June the Gypsy Moth caterpillars feed on foliage and will pupate around mid-July. About two weeks later the adults emerge and the male seeks out the female to mate. She then lays her eggs and they will both soon die.
You can help Slow the Spread of Gypsy Moth by inspecting your equipment. Wisconsin is a beautiful state and we must work together to keep it that way. We ask that if you are going into a “quarantine area” that you do an inspection before you return. If you have any questions regarding the Gypsy Moth you can call the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 1-800-642-MOTH. Let’s spread the word not the moth.
Written by John Domimo.
Markings: A. Yellow head with black marking; B. Prominent blue and red spots. Tents: No silk tents. Egg Mass: Tan color; covered with fine hairs; 1 to 3 inches long; on just about any outside item. Preferred Host Trees: Oaks, aspen, birch, willow and more than 600 other species. Populations: Exotic pest; severe defoliation during out-breaks can occur for 2 to 3 years in urban and forested areas, especially where oaks are abundant. Photo and data provided by Michigan State University Extension, with permission of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.. |
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Affect Everyone! |
The Gypsy Moth is On the Move!As you can see by the updated quarantine map, the Gypsy Moth is moving further west! Help protect Wisconsin's trees and inspect your camping units and towing vehicles before leaving or returning from a trip. Refer to the information on this site or call The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The DNR's telephone number and website is referenced elsewhere on this page. |
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Information provided by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
| Early to Mid-May Gypsy moth caterpillars hatch when the weather warms and leaves open on trees. Caterpillars spin silk strands to catch the wind and travel among trees, then begin feeding on leaves. Older caterpillar, with red and blue spots. 
Early to Mid-July |
The mature caterpillars stop feeding, find a sheltered resting spot and pupate, forming a protective shell. Inside the pupal shells they develop into adult moths over the next 10-14 days. Pupae, left and caterpillar skins shed before pupation. 
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| Late July-August Adults emerge from pupal shells. The females can't fly, so they emit a scent to lure males. After mating, the female lays a cluster of hundreds of eggs, wrapped in her body hair, and the adults die. Male (left) and larger, white female moths. 
September-May | Inside the egg masses, each egg develops into a tiny caterpillar. The eggs survive the winter in sheltered spots, warmed by the blanket of hair and living on stored body fat. Female moth laying egg masses, each about 1 1/2 inches long. 
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Information provided by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Before you leave for or return from a camping trip, inspect all outdoor articles, such as your vehicle(s), camper/trailer, inside the propane gas cap, lawn chairs, firewood, grill stand, backpacks, boat trailer, tents, bicycles and patio furniture.
Be sure to look underneath and inside small hiding places! Below are photographs of John Domino inspecting several campers.
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Information and photographs provided by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Take care when handling caterpillars or egg masses. Their tiny hairs can be irritating to skin.
When removing the egg masses, first wet the egg mass (it will hold together better when trying to remove it), and then thoroughly scrape the egg masses off the article. Drop both egg masses and caterpillars into warm, soapy water. A mild bleach solution will destroy all life stages.
Do not just scrape the eggs off and leave on the ground or rub with your foot, as they will survive.
Information provided by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
For more information on the spread of the Gypsy Moth and what to do if you find a gypsy moth in any life stage, please call 1-800-642-MOTH or visit the following website: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection .
Wisconsin Camper's Association encourages all campers in Wisconsin to learn more about the gypsy moth and to cooperate fully with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in this important drive to slow the spread of the gypsy moth.
Emerald Ash Borer
An added threat to Wisconsin trees is the Emerald Ash Borer, which has already killed 8 million to 10 million ash trees in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. For more information, please visit the Emerald Ash Borer website.
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The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has approved all information on Help Protect Wisconsin's Trees page of the Wisconsin Camper's Association website.