CLARE COUNTY GYPSY MOTH PROGRAM
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Thanks to the residents of Clare county for your help and support of this  program.​

The gypsy moth is a serious pest of forests, shade trees, fruit trees and ornamental in the northeastern United States. These insects prefers 150 host trees and shrubs but they can feed on more than 300 species.  They were brought to the U.S. from Europe in the 1860’s to cross breed with the silkworm to improve silk production by E. Leopold Trouvelot. Populations were first discovered in 1869 in Massachusetts where some of the insects escaped captivity and  became established in the surrounding forest. As the pests spread, programs were developed to try and suppress the growing gypsy moth population. 

Clare County passed a millage to continue funding to cover the ongoing costs of the program. The millage was in effect from 2000-2005.  There is a balance in the millage fund and those monies are what continue to support the program throughout the years. 

The Clare Conservation District began administering the Clare County Gypsy Moth Suppression Program on September 1, 2010.  The District and Clare County have a contract. Please take the opportunity to explore our website to learn more about the Gypsy Moth, the program and efforts to suppress this invasive pest and how you can help.