Well everyone has seemed to notice the high number of caterpillars this spring. We are experiencing a Gypsy Moth “invasion” at the moment in DCF. If you have not been out since last week your next visit will be shocking. In areas there is no canopy left at all. None.
Here’s some good information passed on to me by a past MNR employee:
https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-insects/gypsy-moth/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/virus-and-fungus-disease-cause
The highlights are that every female moth lays between 500 & 1000 eggs. The egg sacks will be identifiable and do not hatch until next spring. Each catapillar can consume 1 square meter of leaves.
It’s worth reading through to understand what the Forest is dealing with at the moment and for you to keep an eye out at home.