Eggs are laid shortly after mating, often on tree trunks. The adult gypsy moth does not feed. A number of natural enemies of the gypsy moth are active during all of the insect's life stages. For example, parasites and predators can effectively reduce gypsy moth numbers by 10 to 60 percent in a given year, depending on weather conditions and the health of the current generation of gypsy moths. Several natural enemies are listed below.
Healthy trees are the best defense against the gypsy moth.
A deciduous tree which loses 60 percent or more of its leaves will produce new leaves and continue to grow. The tree pays a price, however. It must use its energy reserves for the following year. This can place the tree under considerable stress. Coniferous trees, such as pines and spruces, are more likely to die from a single defoliation.