For Immediate Release: June 8, 2004
Media Contact: Jayson DeGeeter, 847.729.1963

GYPSY MOTH INFESTATION STRIKES MUNDELEIN, THREATENS CHICAGOLAND

GLENVIEW, IL — During the month of May, the arborists at Autumn Tree Care Experts noticed a considerable rise in gypsy moth larvae populations in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago, near Mundelein. The larvae are expected to feed on trees in the area during the next several weeks. Chicagoland residents are advised to take steps to control the spread of this chewing insect that is capable of devastating effects.

The current gypsy moth infestation is one of the worst seen in the area over the past several years. According to Autumn Tree Care Experts plant health care manager, John Kahon, III, a large gypsy moth population — such as the infestation near Diamond Lake in Mundelein — is capable of completely defoliating area trees. Without proper treatment, it is anticipated that the population will spread throughout the region during coming years.

Lifecycle
Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae hatch from late April through May. While they prefer to feed on oak trees, the larvae are capable of ravenously defoliating almost any type of tree, including some evergreens, over a seven-week period. Adult larvae are marked with a distinctive double row of blue dots, followed by a double row of red dots. The moth pupates during late June/early July and emerges as an adult in July and August. The male moth is brown and tan; the female is white with black, wavy markings. In fall, whitish-tan egg masses are laid on nearly any solid object where the next generation over-winters.

Landscape Effects
When a tree is defoliated by gypsy moth larvae, the tree undergoes a considerable amount of stress. The tree may attempt to produce a second flush of foliage, which severely taps the tree's energy resources for the coming year. If the infestation continues over several years and the tree is defoliated repeatedly, the tree may eventually die.
Treatment
A gypsy moth infestation migrates by stratified dispersal — a small population will move into a new area and the central infestation gradually fills the gap. Because of this migration habit, the first step in controlling the spread of the insect is through education. Once a gypsy moth population has been identified, the larvae can be eradicated through a variety of treatments. Residents should also watch for the moth's whitish-tan egg masses in the fall — especially on automobiles — to prevent the pest from spreading to nearby communities.

Autumn Tree Care Experts is a full-service, ISA certified arboricultural firm that has been dedicated to tree preservation since 1979. The company's services include tree pruning and fertilization, disease diagnosis and treatment, pest management, cabling/bracing, and pre/post construction consultations. Autumn Tree Care Experts serves as the exclusive Tree Heath Sponsor of the Chicago Botanic Garden and is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, the Tree Care Industry Association (formerly the National Arborist Association), the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.

If you suspect a gypsy moth infestation on your property and would like a free estimate, or if you require additional information about gypsy moth and their effect upon the landscape, please contact Autumn Tree Care Experts at 847.729.1963.