'Dangerous' Forest Insects Cause Damage to 125 Acres in Oakland

Moderate deforestation was caused to 125 acres of Oakland’s wooded areas this year by the gypsy moth, a “destructive insect” responsible for damage to nearly 3,000 acres of woodlands statewide, according to the Department of Agriculture.

“The gypsy moth is the most destructive forest insect pest to infest New Jersey’s forests,” according to the department’s website. “Repeated defoliation by the gypsy moth represents a serious threat to New Jersey woodland and shade tree recourse.”

According to state reports, the borough had seen no damage from the insects in at least the last six years. While Passaic towns West Milford and Bloomingdale led the state in damage, Mahwah was the only other Bergen town listed in the report, with moderate damage to 195 acres.

Aerial surveys showed over a thousand acres in the two Passaic towns with heavy damage. The moderate damage reported in Oakland is classified by the state as 25-50 percent deforestation.

Gypsy moths lay eggs in trees, coming out in May and June, and in other years the state has operated spray programs to rid wooded areas of the insects. In a release, the department said that the damage caused by the insects had been on the decline, and no spray program was undertaken in preparation for this year.

But, the state says, it will conduct a survey in the fall to determine areas where spraying is needed.

“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,” New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said.