However, continuing attacks can fatally weaken a tree or leave it vulnerable to other insects or disease. The gypsy moth caterpillar is not a fussy eater. It has a preference for the leaves of deciduous hardwood trees such as maple, elm, and particularly oak . Gypsy moths can also feed on apple, alder, birch, poplar and willow trees. As it grows it will also attack evergreens like pines and spruces.
Gypsy moths appear to dislike ashes, sycamores, butternuts, black walnuts, dogwoods and balsams.
However, during heavy infestations, competition for food will drive the caterpillar to attack almost any tree or shrub. Egg masses, when discovered, should be burned or soaked in water or kerosene. To prevent the caterpillars from reaching the foliage, use TreeHelp Bug Band . You should use TreeHelp Bug Band to protect nearby trees as well. There are a variety of commercially available pesticides for use in dealing with heavy gypsy moth infestations.