IMPACT: DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS

Most ecologists argue that gypsy moth will never eliminate existing forests. The species composition (mix of trees) may change but, nonetheless, there will still be a forest after gypsy moth has become established. In fact, an ecologist may argue that the gypsy moth and other pests and diseases that may follow will eliminate the weak trees, and the overall health of the forest will improve.

An ecologist may also argue that to “knock back” a building population with an insecticide could prolong an infestation. Indiscriminate use of insecticides could negatively affect predatory and parasitic insects – the natural enemies of plant-feeding insects like gypsy moth. It could also prevent the buildup and establishment of natural diseases in gypsy moth populations. In the long run, these natural controls may effectively regulate gypsy moth populations without negative environmental effects.

However, a home or woodlot owner would argue that the trees potentially being affected might be of great economic and aesthetic value to the owner. While the fifty foot white oak in the back forty might be replaced “naturally” by a fifty foot red maple in 100 years, the property owner obviously has other, more immediate, management objectives.

The suburban homeowner, cottage owner, camper, and golf course owner would also argue that it is not much fun recreating on a June evening when hundreds of caterpillars deposit excrement on you head and are crawling up the side of your house or cottage.

The fact of the matter is these are all valid arguments. This is the dilemma that faces gypsy moth pest managers in Michigan today.