Are there any natural enemies (control factors) to the Gypsy Moth?
A Yes. Predators include other insects like wasps, flies, beetles, ants and spiders as well as birds such as chickadees, blue jays, robins and nuthatches. Animals such as chipmunks, squirrels and raccoons will also prey on the caterpillar. Diseases caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses contribute the most to keeping levels within a normal range. Gypsy Moth diseases include a fungus native to Japan called Entomophaga maimaiga. This fungus was deliberately released in the United States around 1910-1911 to help control gypsy moths. Although the exact means by which this fungus made it to Canada are not known, its presence in our forest has become quite evident as it has been responsible for bringing past gypsy moth infestations under control. The amount of wet weather experienced in the spring months is directly related to the success of this fungus, with wetter springs showing greater declines in gypsy moth caterpillars than in drier springs. Caterpillars killed by this fungus appear shri
