Did you know that Gypsy Moths were actually spread to North America by a French scientist who was attempting to breed a hybrid silk spinning caterpillar that was less susceptible to disease? Unfortunately for millions of trees, this breed of caterpillar is hardy indeed, and is now considered one of the most destructive insects in the Eastern United States.
A gypsy moth infestation can cause partial defoliation, or complete defoliation of its host trees, which can starve a tree of essential sugars and carbohydrates leaving a tree weak and susceptible to disease, or may kill the tree entirely. A tree infested with Gypsy Moths may quickly become a tree hazard.