This spring, forest tent caterpillars defoliated trees in areas of the southern Catskills and Central New York. The state’s previous outbreak began in 2005 and lasted through 2009, resulting in heavy defoliation ranging from the southern Catskills across Central New York and northward to St. Lawrence County.
Forest tent caterpillar:
• Is a native species that reaches outbreak levels every 10–20 years;
• Feeds on many hardwood trees including sugar maple, cherry, ash, birch, and aspen;
• Defoliates tree early in the season, causing trees to often grow a new, smaller set of leaves in July once caterpillars are done feeding; and
• Outbreaks usually end by natural causes such as disease and predators, so management may not be necessary.
DEC has conducted arial surveys to monitor the outbreak and determine the extent of defoliation. Healthy trees can survive 2-3 years of repeated defoliation. However, defoliation reduces a tree’s overall resilience to environmental stress. Severe or repeated defoliation may result in slower growth or mortality 8-10 years after initial defoliation.
For more information visit: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/forest-tent-caterpillars
