Gypsy Moth Population Grows Statewide, But Few in Atlantic County

New Jersey's gypsy moth population has nearly tripled in 2013 compared with last summer, but only 144 of the state's 2,887 acres showed to be defoliated by the insects were in Atlantic County.

The defoliation survey was conducted in late June and early July, said Lynne Richmond, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture. This year's 2,887 acres of defoliation compares with just 1,068 acres last year.

Last year's damage from the leaf-eating, invasive pests was restricted to 21 municipalities in 10 counties, while this year 51 municipalities in 17 counties were affected, Richmond said.

In Atlantic County, Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor and Hamilton Township had 63, 57 and 24 acres defoliated, respectively.

"While we have seen very low gypsy moth populations over the last few years, we must continue intense surveillance, as well as treatment to suppress this damaging insect," said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. "We will continue to partner with the state Department of Environmental Protection, counties and municipalities to protect our precious forested areas from being devastated by gypsy moth caterpillars."

The Department of Agriculture will conduct an egg mass survey this fall to determine where spraying is warranted, officials said. To qualify for the spray program, a residential or recreational forest must have an average of more than 500 egg masses per acre and be at least 50 acres in size.  A single egg mass contains up to 1,000 eggs.

Gypsy moth defoliation hit a high of 339,240 acres statewide in 2008, however officials with the department said an aggressive spray program, a number of beneficial insects and weather that supported a fungus that impacts gypsy moths has helped keep the population down ever since.