Just earlier this week, scientists warned people in the East Coast about the imminent coming of  vicious meat-eating insects, the Asian hornets. The hornets were blamed to be responsible for at least 50 deaths in Japan every year.

And yet again comes another insect for them to worry about: the non-native gypsy moth. The moths were perceived as a threat, that Washington state's governor, Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation, warning residents of an imminent danger of an infestation of the moths in some areas of Snohomish County.

The proclamation declares that the forthcoming danger of infestation from the moths gravely endangers horticultural and agricultural industries, as well as the economic security and quality of life of the residents of the state.

Both species of Asian gypsy moths and Asian-European hybrid gypsy moths pose a threat to the state, the proclamation states.

Read Also: Beware! Meat-Eating Asian Hornet that Kills up to 50 a Year in Japan Enters US East Coast, Warn Experts

Gypsy Moths, Small but Terrible 

According to the University of Kentucky, gypsy moths are one of the most damaging pests of hardwood forests and urban landscape. They are responsible for defoliating more than a million forested acres every year. 

The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service also says that the devastation can severely weaken shrubs and trees, making them more susceptible to illnesses. The department adds that continuous defoliation can lead to the death of large divisions of forests, orchards and landscaping.

The insect has already been known to spread into some areas of Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, and Ohio. The US Department of Agriculture sets survey traps every tear to catch male moths to monitor the movement of this valuable bug.

According to the agency, female moths can lay hundreds of eggs. The hatchlings later on become caterpillars and chomp through more than 500 different tree and shrub classes. They also say that because the moths can fly long distances, it is inevitable that they can rapidly spread throughout the country.

The Spread of Gypsy Moths

There are two different ways in which the gypsy moth can spread out. The first method is by more natural means wherein newly hatched larvae spin short lengths of silken thread which permit them to be blown by the wind in short distances.

For the last ten to fifteen years, gypsy moths have been transported in long distances on outdoor household commodities such as recreational vehicles, household goods, firewood, and other personal possessions. Experts estimate that 85% of new infestations have been caused by the movement of outdoor household articles. 

After setting up in an area, gypsy moth populations can vary widely from year to year. Seasons with relentless damage can be followed by seasons with almost few caterpillars and slight damage. During times of heavy outbreaks, gypsy moth caterpillars can be seen crawling on walls, across roads, creeping over outdoor furniture, and sometimes will be seen inside homes. 

Gypsy moth caterpillars thrive on nearly 500 different plants. Older larvae will sometimes eat several types of hardwood that the younger larvae will dodge. However, at times when food is scarce, the larvae will feed on almost any plant life.

Also Read: Watch How These Japanese Honeybees 'Cook' a Deadly Asian Hornet to Death