Where do gypsy moths come from?
European Gypsy moths are introduced to our state by people. Usually they come from states that are generally infested with the insect. These include the northeastern states as far south as Kentucky and Tennessee and as far west as Wisconsin. These introductions occur when some life stage of the moth (usually an egg mass or pupae) arrive attached to an outdoor household article such as lawn furniture or on a vehicle. People moving to the state and tourists are normally the source of these introductions. The Asian Gypsy moth is rarely found in the United States, but is usually moved here on large vessels carrying cargo across the ocean from Asia.
