Hopewell Township, Mercer County, NJ - On July 9, 2025, Hopewell Township received notice from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) that defoliation caused by the Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD), commonly known as gypsy moth, had been detected within the municipality. In response, the Township elected to participate in the NJDA’s investigation to determine the extent of the infestation.
Following a detailed fall gypsy moth egg mass survey conducted by the NJDA, Hopewell Township was informed on October 8, 2025, that no major infestations were detected within the Township. As a result, an aerial treatment will not be required in the spring of 2026.
Aerial treatments are only conducted when egg mass counts reach levels high enough to cause significant tree defoliation and potential loss.
The Hopewell Township Committee would like to thank the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for their ongoing partnership with Hopewell Township, and will continue to monitor tree health.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about gypsy moth management and prevention by visiting the NJDA’s website at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/gypsymoth.html.