Gypsy moth caterpillars defoliated much of Connecticut in the 70s and early 80s. There is a naturally occurring fungus which has killed them off for decades, not allowing them to complete their life cycle and lay eggs which has kept them in check since then. The weather conditions in the last three years have not been fable for this fungus and the populations have really started to explode, this year we saw areas of Bethany and Woodbridge defoliated, and the large numbers of female moths laying eggs.
Judging by the number of a massive I’ve seen next year we are going to have a huge problem I would suggest you plan to have your tree sprayed if you would like to protect them from being defoliated.
