Gypsy moth caterpillar destruction expected to be limited this year

Some very hungry caterpillars are waiting for the leaves to come out on the trees, but they are far fewer in number than in previous years.

Yes - there will be a gypsy moth caterpillar outbreak this spring.

"Generally around the first week in May. Nothing compared to what we saw last year... in terms of the defoliation. That's what we're predicting," said Department of Conservation and Recreation Ken Gooch.

Last year, the caterpillars chomped through enough threes to cover nearly one million acres - the second worst outbreak in state history. But changing weather allowed two natural killers of the caterpillars - a fungus and a virus - to get the upper hand.

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Based on a survey of egg masses last fall, state gypsy moth expert Ken Gooch predicts a big drop in destruction.

"It's hard to give an acreage figure but I would say not even a tenth of what we saw last year," said Gooch.

The damage should be confined to isolated pockets in five counties; Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, Worcester and Essex.

Cape Ann, including Gloucester, is one of those places likely to see defoliation.

The forests can't get too excited because the gypsy moth population never drops to zero, and certain weather conditions could cause it to come roaring back. But for now, the optimism is legitimately boundless in most areas of Massachusetts.

Cox Media Group