Since the late 1970's, small isolated populations of this insect have been detected and eradicated in Oregon. A naturalist first brought the gypsy moth into Massachusetts from Europe in 1869 to develop a disease-resistant silkworm. During his experiments some of the gypsy moths escaped. Gypsy moths spread locally as young larvae ballooning on air currents and artificially as egg masses on objects moved by people. The states most severely infested by the gypsy moth include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Gypsy moths are notorious hitchhikers.
The female moth lays her eggs on any solid surface such as tree trunks, outdoor furniture, recreational and other vehicles, firewood, bird or doghouses, toys, etc. When objects on which eggs have been laid are later moved, gypsy moths are transported with them, sometimes for long distances. Infested items brought from the northeastern U.S. are the main source of gypsy moth infestations in Oregon. Egg masses on vehicle tire. Gypsy moths occur in North America, Europe, and Asia.