Most evergreens are unable to survive a single season of intensive gypsy moth feeding. Adult gypsy moths do not feed. Dispersal and spread of the gypsy moth may be either natural or artificial. Artificial spread over long and short distances occurs when people transport egg masses or caterpillars on plants, automobiles, firewood, household goods, and other belongings. One infestation began in Virginia when an unsuspecting homeowner moved several dog houses from New Jersey that contained gypsy moth egg masses.
Homeowners can use some manual methods to reduce numbers of gypsy moths around their home.
Egg masses can be scraped off surfaces with a putty knife and dropped into a container of bleach. Caterpillars can be trapped under burlap bands or other dark cloth wrapped around the trunks. When infestations are severe, these methods are not adequate to prevent damage and are only useful on individual trees. Judicious use of insecticides can help to slow the establishment and spread of infestations. This will delay the inevitable cost of controlling outbreaks and more intense use of chemicals.