This program is discontinued in 2022. 

The DCNR Bureau of Forestry has discontinued what was known as the Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program. 

Private property was dropped from DCNR’s suppression program due to lack of funding; therefore, it costs homeowners far less to hire an applicator on their own than to participate in state spraying, which includes operation/program/personnel costs. 

According to the 2021 DCNR web information, landowners are responsible for their own properties. A list of applicators is available for landowners on the following webpage:    Private Applicator List

In prior years, depending on the Gypsy Moth caterpillar population, the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry conducted an Integrated Pest Management Program that included a Spray Suppression Program in early Spring. .This program is discontinued in 2021

High populations of gypsy moth caterpillars defoliate trees and leave them open to other disease and potential tree mortality.

Homeowners should notice in July and August caterpillars going into the pupal stage and then become moths. The female moth has white wings, but does not fly: she lays eggs that will overwinter until April of the following year. The male moth has brown speckled wings and flies in an erratic pattern.

Residents are advised that should they find gypsy moth caterpillars or egg masses on their trees, they may want to consider a control method at the DCNR Homeowner Link.

Please Note

It would be misleading for the homeowner to believe that because they are included in a spray area that their gypsy moth caterpillar associated problems will cease completely after spraying. Where very high caterpillars exist, the spray material may not be as effective and homeowners may continue to have some nuisance caterpillars and defoliation.

Helpful Links
 Gypsy Moth Fact Sheet

 DCNR