Fighting Gypsy Moths Who Might Come Home with You

If you’re heading out for vacation this year to an area that might have gypsy moths, take some precautions before you return to make sure they aren’t coming back as well.

Paul Chaloux with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says this invasive pests can find many crevices to hide.

“On your motorhome, please inspect all of those exterior surfaces including behind the spare tire and those kinds of places. Again remembering that female gypsy moths like to lay their eggs in hidden cracks and crevices.”

Cars are less likely to be a place to lay eggs because the process can take several days and motorhomes are more likely to be stopped for several days at a time.

What should you look for? Chaloux said the masses are distinct.

“Gypsy moth egg masses are typically half an inch to an inch or so across, quarter inch to a half an inch tall. They’re usually light brown or yellow in color and very fuzzy.”

If you find them, scrape them off and dump them in hot, soapy water to kill them. Peak season will last until summer.