CONTROL TACTICS FOR GYPSY MOTHS AND CATERPILLARS

As we approach the gypsy moth season GadFly offers readers various strategies to help keep the moth/caterpillar population down ... as Mullica will again not be spraying and this is likely to result in a larger infestation than last year...however, there are steps that the homeowner can take to mitigate the problem. Egg hatching begins in April ... so if at this time an effort had not been made to destroy egg masses from trees the next step one can use are the two banding methods.

The barrier band prevents caterpillars from reaching leaves in the treetops. Many small larvae land on the ground as they migrate. By placing a barrier band around the trunk, these larvae can be prevented from reaching the tree's canopy. Several kinds of bands are available. The most effective ones fit snugly into the cracks or crevices of the bark and have a coating that remains sticky for a long time.. Larvae cannot move past these bands and either starve below them or become entangled in them. Barrier bands should be put in place by April and inspected weekly to repair tears or to reapply sticky materials. Other sticky materials are available and may be applied directly to the bark or the tree...however, some oil-based materials may be harm full to trees when applied to the bark...especially thin barked trees such as beech or birch.




The second binding technique employs the use of a hiding band...because the caterpillars crawl down trees to hide in protected places during the day this affords a different strategy to remove the larvae. A simple band consists of a strip of burlap about 18 inches wide that is tied at the middle around the tree trunk. This creates a double flap 9 inches wide that provides shelter for migrating larvae. These larvae should be removed and destroyed daily or every two days. Burlap bands will also attract larvae ready to pupate and females ready to lay eggs. Be sure to wear gloves when handling gypsy moth larvae or egg masses at any stage of their removal.

The marketing of products as sex attracting odors intended to disrupt mating has NOT proved effective.

The most frustrating time during a gypsy moth outbreak usually occurs in June when the large caterpillars begin crawling away from trees. As the caterpillars wander they cross lawns and climb on houses. The spraying of insecticides at this time is generally not efficient as the caterpillars are not feeding then. The gypsy moth develops in four different stages each year: egg, caterpillar or larva, pupa or cocoon, and adult moth. Adult female moths cannot fly so they crawl about to lay their eggs. The eggs may be found in bark crevices on the undersides of branches and on the ground under loose stones, boards, etc. Eggs begin to hatch in late April and early May.

Regardless of control procedures adopted, the most successful way to reduce gypsy moth populations in heavily infested areas is through community wide action. This encompasses cooperation among all neighbors, using an interlocking approach to immediate and future moth control and suppression.