N.C. Forest Service - Invasive Pests & Firewood Movement
The European gypsy moth is a notorious defoliating insect pest that feeds on hundreds of different species of trees and plants. This insect is capable of defoliating entire mountainsides; trees can die after successive years of defoliation. The immature gypsy moths (caterpillars) are responsible for the defoliation.
The gypsy moth was introduced around Boston over a hundred years ago and has since been headed south and west. The gypsy moth is present in North Carolina but not currently well established. Portions of Currituck and Dare counties are in quarantine for this insect. The majority of the infestation is currently contained at the Virginia state line, with a large portion of Virginia state-line counties in quarantine. The USDA Forest Service maintains information about the nationwide spread of the European gypsy moth as well as facts and figures. More locally, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with help from the North Carolina Forest Service, manages an extensive gypsy moth trapping and eradication program.
This page was last modified on 01/09/2025