Gypsy moth larvae will feed on 500 species of plants, but oak leaves are preferred. Deciduous trees are weakened by severe gypsy moth defoliation making them more susceptible to other stresses such as drought, diseases, and other insects. Evergreen plants are often killed after one year of defoliation. In late June or early July, the larvae finish feeding and find a sheltered place to pupate. Pupation takes two weeks and adult moths emerge in July or August.
Male moths emerge first and fly in a zigzag pattern during daylight hours.
Females do not fly, but can crawl a short distance. Adult moths do not feed. Improve your tree's health through good tree care practices. Introduce new plants that are disease and insect resistant. To reduce plant loss, plant a wide variety of species.