Gypsy Moth
We’ve all seen the news reports with Ontario backyards flooded with Gypsy Moth caterpillars, dripping from trees and filling sidewalks. Perhaps your trees were overrun by this recent population surge?
Most healthy trees can withstand a single year of moderate-to-severe defoliation, but two to three years of significant leaf damage can result in branch or tree mortality.
Treescape is offering assistance to home owners and businesses. Our treatment method is targeted at individual trees. It’s effective and environmentally friendly.
The Lymantria dispar moth formerly known as the European Gypsy Moth, was introduced to eastern North America from Europe in the late 1800s through a failed attempt to harvest silk from their cocoons.
Eggs overwinter in furry clusters on tree bark. Mid to late May, the eggs hatch and begin it’s most destructive stage – consuming foliage on a wide range of trees and shrubs up to one square meter each. Mid summer adults emerge to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle.
I have Ldd Moth, what should I do?
You can take action!
Steps you can take in your own backyard
- November to April – destruction of overwintering egg masses by scraping into a bucket of soapy water and leaving for a day or two
- May – bio-insecticide applied by your friendly Treescape applicator (see below)
- June to August – hand picking and squishing or trapping of caterpillars (wear gloves!)
- July to August – pheromone traps used during mating season to attract male moths (females cannot fly), purchased from your local garden center or nature store
Please keep in mind…
- Although non-native, they do have a number of local predators including wasps, beetles, spiders, birds such as chickadees, robins and nuthatches, and even mice and chipmunks!
- The caterpillar hairs can cause a rash in some individuals, please be careful!
- This is peak cycle and won’t last forever!
When fully grown, the caterpillars are approximately 2 inches long, very hairy and have five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots along its back.
When fully grown, the white Ldd females have a wing span of 5.5-6.5 cm and the males are smaller, light brown and slender-bodied.
How can Treescape help?
Our extensive experience with our Emerald Ash Borer treatment has prepared us for tackling Gypsy Moth. We offer a tested bio-pesticide with the same injection delivery system and same great results. A quote is provided for each client’s project. Help your trees survive the surge!
When can I treat my trees?
We are offering treatment with our bio-pesticide during the larval stage window from mid to late May. If you are noticing damage to your trees after this time, please contact us to get on our treatment list for the following year at info@treescapecanada.ca
What is TreeAzin™?
TreeAzin™ is an effective treatment in combating Gypsy Moth. It is a bio-pesticide derived from Neem tree extracts. Once injected under a tree’s bark, TreeAzin™ moves through the tree damaging moth larvae that are feeding on the tree’s tissues which will help limit the amount of damage to the tree. It is applied once per season, as needed, by our Licensed Pesticide Applicators.
Where can I learn more about Ldd Moth?
- Ontario’s Invading Species
- Ontario Nature Blog
- Wildlife and Nature at Ontario.ca
- Bioforest – our bio-pesticide provider
Click on the following links for video information on DIY treatment options –
