2021-Jun-29
The Gypsy Moth is Poised for Another Big Year
Last year was a record setting year for this invasive moths and this year may be worse! A combination of the natural cycle and favorable weather – a warm winter followed by a dry spring – make ideal conditions for these moths to thrive. The gypsy moth, also known as the “LDD” moth derived from the scientific name Lymantria dispar dispar, devours the leaves of more than 500 different species of trees and shrubs and can cause large-scale defoliation.
Caterpillars are hairy, up to six centimetres long and can be identified by the five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots on their backs. The adults have a wing span of about 1 1/2 inches. The male moths are brown and fly, while the adult females are white and can’t fly. Eggs masses are laid on branches or other sheltered places. The masses are buff colored when freshly laid and will pale as they age.
The moth caterpillars have voracious appetites and eat a wide range of food, including oak, birch, poplar, willow and maple, unlike many other caterpillars that are pickier eaters. They also feed for almost twice as long as many native caterpillars. While some birds and mammals do eat gypsy moths, none of them consume enough to really put a dent in the population.
Can you do anything about them on your property?
To manage the caterpillars on your trees during the mid summer months, the experts suggest a technique that involves tying a band of burlap around the tree trunks at about chest height. The caterpillars are drawn to the shade and will hide under the burlap where they can be easily picked off.
After Labour Day, when the adults are done laying eggs, you can also find their egg masses and use a butter knife or painter’s scraper to remove them from the trees. An illustrated guide on how to remove eggs can be seen here.
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