Gypsy Moth Damage in Virginia

After conducting aerial surveys in and around the Roanoke area, the Virginia Department of Forestry is predicting a major outbreak of gypsy moths this summer. These surveys indicate that select acres of forest land in Giles, Craig, Roanoke, Frederick, and a number of other adjacent counties could see some significant impact from and defoliation by gypsy moths this year. Statewide, more than 50,000 acres of forested area could be affected. In 2006, the gypsy moth defoliated 14,330 acres in Virginia.

All media are advised to contact Larry Nichols at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 804-786-3515 and/or Russ MacFarlane with the US Forest Service's George Washington & Jefferson National Forests at 540-265-5168. These two agencies are responsible for gypsy moth programs in Virginia. Direct contact with these individuals will save you time and effort as you work on any gypsy moth-related articles.

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The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, there are Forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.

With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 184,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $29 Billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.