Gypsy moth caterpillars are so hungry and destructive that they’ve earned the nickname munching machines. These pests have been devouring trees and shrubs in Canada since 1869, and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to prevent gypsy moth damage on your trees, bushes, and even some vegetables, in your yard this year.
Toronto dealing with an ‘unprecedented’ number of gypsy moth caterpillars in recent years
The GTA is on track to have a very high number of caterpillars in 2022, according to officials who say they haven’t seen so many in 15 years. Doug Pardini, director of forestry
services at city hall, said Toronto has already seen an unprecedented amount of caterpillars – with more expected. We’re seeing numbers we’ve never seen before, he told CTV News Channel. This is going to be really bad. According to Pardini, 2020 was average, but 2021 brought another bumper crop that came down with a virus and died off without causing damage to trees or homes. But 2021 has brought back numbers similar to those from 2017 and 2018 – as well as entirely new infestations in places where there haven’t been moths before, like southern Ontario.
What is a gypsy month?
A gypsy moth is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. They are one of North America’s most notorious forest pests, primarily due to defoliation caused by caterpillars eating tree leaves.
What are the risks of gypsy moths in my trees?
The biggest risk is defoliation, which can occur multiple times over a number of years. If you have trees on your property, it’s important to know what type of trees you have so that you know how susceptible they are to gypsy moth damage. Older trees and woody plants (e.g., oak) typically don’t react as strongly to gypsy moth damage as younger, more tender plants (e.g., maples). You can also assess how likely your property is to experience an infestation by considering its distance from nearby forests and access points where gypsy moths may appear in large numbers.
How do I protect my trees in my gypsy months?
The gypsy moth caterpillar, which can cause millions of dollars in damage to trees each year, is considered an invasive species and has no natural predators in North America. Without some type of preventative measures, your trees are as good as dead once these
creatures arrive. Burlap netting or a floating row cover can be placed over vulnerable trees at least three weeks before egg-laying begins. By keeping egg-laying moths from laying eggs on your trees, you’ll be able to save yourself time and money (not to mention heartache).
Burlap and duct tape bands offer protection from gypsy moth pests caterpillars work their way up host plants until they reach foliage high enough off the ground where they stay until they pupate into a butterfly. Each female lays 250–300 eggs during her lifetime. Eggs hatch into larvae that begin feeding immediately by eating holes through leaves, buds and stems using strong jaws called mandibles. Make sure to place burlap and duct tape bands several feet above and below vulnerable plants so that moths are unable to get around them; don’t forget about nearby host plants! Remember: Prevention is key!
If you do notice symptoms of leaf drop or defoliation beginning to show in late May, check with your local pest control service for additional information on how to act promptly to treat affected plants. With prompt treatment—or even just preventative action—you should still have beautiful trees come fall.
How can I tell if I have been invaded by gypsy moths?
One of the best ways to tell if you have been invaded by gipsy moths is to examine your trees and plants. Gipsy moth caterpillars create nests in burlap, so check any areas of
your home where burlap has been stored or used to keep other pests away. If you find holes in it, chances are gypsy moths have nested there. Be aware that they only nest once per year, so they’re not likely to infest burlap more than once.
When should I begin taking action to protect my trees from gypsy months?
Late spring is typically when you’ll begin to see caterpillars and damage on your trees, but they can feed as early as April. Don’t wait until you have a full-blown problem before you take action. It’s best to get an early start! Be sure to check your trees frequently throughout spring and summer—particularly after it rains—to spot any gypsy moth caterpillar activity.
Is it safe to burn branches and logs that contain tent caterpillars or cocoons?
The question of whether or not it is safe to burn branches and logs that contain tent caterpillars or cocoons depends on where you live. If in doubt, DON’T BURN IT! Most importantly, read, understand and follow all local laws before disposing of any wood that may be infested. Wood disposal in communities affected by invasive species such as
gypsy moths must comply with state laws governing invasive species control measures.
Are pheromone traps effective against gypsy moths?
Pheromone traps are used to lure male gypsy moths and disrupt mating. The jury is still out on whether or not pheromone traps are effective against gypsy moths. In some cases, they can reduce moth populations; in others, they do n
othing. Before investing in a pheromone trap, research how effective it is at your location. Be aware that female moths can also be drawn to these traps (they like male pheromones, too), so extra measures might need to be taken as part of an overall strategy to control larvae (or prevent them from entering). Even with a well-laid plan, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see positive results—gypsy moth damage can vary widely by region and year.
How can I reduce my chances of attracting gypsy moths to my property next year?
Gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar) are major pests of hardwood trees in many parts of North America. Caterpillars feed on a wide variety of trees, including oaks, ash, birch, and even apples. They damage trees by stripping their leaves to create dense webs used to protect them from predators while they pupate.
Fortunately, gypsy moths can be controlled using a variety of methods; you may even find it possible to take care of infestations yourself. If not, commercial services offer prompt and professional treatment at reasonable prices. The first step in controlling gypsy moths is recognizing them when they appear on your property; see below for 10 tips that will help you do just that.
What is the difference between tent caterpillars and gypsy months?
In the Toronto area, there are two types of destructive moth caterpillars that can be found feasting on host trees: tent caterpillars and gypsy moths. While they might look similar, they’re vastly different and inflict varying degrees of damage to their host trees.
Protect them by keeping an eye out for signs of defoliation. If you spot some tent or gypsy moth cocoons, place protective covers over them like burlap bags or aluminium pie plates to keep them from hatching into larvae that will feast on your tree’s leaves; usually just one is all it takes. For more serious infestations, contact your local municipality as soon as possible—they may be able to provide additional help. Alternatively, if no government intervention is available, use an insecticide approved by Health Canada labelled for use against pests like these; watch out though—many pesticides aren’t safe around kids or pets!
How to use duct tape and burlap barrier bands on trees for gypsy moths control?
Duct tape and burlap barrier bands are two ways to help prevent gypsy moth caterpillars from chewing your trees to death. Here’s how: You can wrap a strip of duct tape around the trunk of infested trees. The sticky substance deters them from climbing up, while the rough surface discourages them from crawling across it. Plastic burlap bands work best when wrapped around tree trunks where caterpillars typically feed on leaves. Be sure to attach it tightly so that no gaps remain that would allow a caterpillar through. To make it easy to remove, either burn or cut off the excess band after treatment is complete.
Learn more about Mosquito Toronto’s gypsy moth prevention service >