From Mike Stanyard on the Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team: Gypsy moth larvae are serious pests of deciduous trees and even conifers. They were really bad last year in the Finger Lakes and west. They are back in impressive numbers again this year and defoliating hardwoods in woodlots, parks and residential areas. What about field crops? I have been getting lots of phone calls and pictures of gypsy moth caterpillars in corn, soybean, wheat and even onions. Could they become a pest in our crops? The larvae are hungry and I think they will try anything once. I believe they may do a little feeding but realize it is not what they are looking for and move on.