The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says the maimaiga fungus is finally beginning to kill of the gypsy moth caterpillars that have been wreaking havoc on trees in southeastern Connecticut.
Fish and wildlife officials are urging residents to look at their trees and report whether they see dead caterpillars, so they can figure out which towns are still seeing issues.
This information may help them predict next year’s outbreak and plan accordingly.
The caterpillars eat away at trees – specifically oak - and most recently witch hazel and maple trees.
Some people have sprayed trees with insecticide to help kill them off.
The maimaiga fungus is triggered by rain and was expected to mitigate the caterpillar program, but it worked slower than expected this year.
To contact DEEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife, email them at deep.ctwildlife@ct.gov or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
