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Move over, murder hornets: Gypsy moths threaten Washington state

By
Jackie Salo
Published May 7, 2020, 12:49 p.m. ET
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Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) on a twig in a forest
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) on a twig in a fores.Getty Images/iStockphoto
Gypsy Moth caterpillar walking a long wooden hand rail of a jungle walk way in South East Asia.
Gypsy Moth caterpillar walking a long wooden hand rail of a jungle walk way in South East AsiaGetty Images/iStockphoto
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Murder hornets are no longer the only new, six-legged critters making Washington state bug out.

Non-native gypsy moths with an appetite for crop destruction are set to terrorize the Evergreen State, according to its governor, who issued an emergency proclamation Tuesday, CNN reported.

There is an “imminent danger of an infestation” of Asian gypsy moths as well as their Asian-European hybrids in parts of Snohomish County, Gov. Jay Inslee warned.

“This imminent danger of infestation seriously endangers the agricultural and horticultural industries of the state of Washington and seriously threatens the economic well-being and quality of life of state residents,” the proclamation said.

The Department of Agriculture said the creatures, which can fly long distances, are capable of causing severe damage.

“Large (Asian gypsy moth) infestations can completely defoliate trees,” the agency said. “This defoliation can severely weaken trees and shrubs, making them more susceptible to disease. Repeated defoliation can lead to the death of large sections of forests, orchards and landscaping.”

The warning comes after “murder hornets,” which can wipe out bee colonies within hours, were spotted in the state. The moths do not physically harm humans, experts note.