01/06/2020- A common Wisconsin pest was a little less common in 2019. The state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer protection reported a notable decline in the number of gypsy moths caught over the summer. There were about 30% fewer of the invasive insect trapped in 2019 than in 2018 and the number was less than half of what was captured in 2017. Experts says the bitterly cold temperatures in the early part of last year likely contributed to the decreased population. Wisconsin is part of a multi-state effort being led by the USDA to curb the spread of gypsy moths, which feed on and kill hundreds of tree and shrub species.