Gypsy moth infestations can wreak havoc on backyard hardwood trees and urban landscapes, making gypsy moth treatment an essential practice.
As summer arrives, so do pests, emerging from their winter hideaways to cause havoc in our homes and gardens. Among these pests, the Gypsy Moth Caterpillar has gained notoriety for the damage it inflicts on various plants. These caterpillars pose a significant threat, not only in agricultural crops and forests but also in our very own backyards and neighborhoods.
Identification
The caterpillar phase of the gypsy moth is the most destructive as it voraciously feeds on leaves and plants. When fully grown, they reach around 2 inches in length, displaying a hairy appearance with five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots along their back. Adult hairy moths, with a wingspan of 1-1/2 to 2 inches, appear in gray (males) and white (females). It’s noteworthy that female moths do not fly, although both sexes possess wings.
Life Cycle of the Gypsy Moth Caterpillar
The female gypsy moth lays eggs and covers them with body hairs for insulation and protection.
After egg deposition, the female moth perishes, and the eggs endure the winter, hatching in the spring.
The newly hatched black-headed gypsy moth caterpillars ascend to the treetops, feeding on leaves or using silk strands to float on the wind and colonize new trees.
Gypsy moth caterpillars undergo five or six instars and typically feed from late April to mid-June.
Controlling Gypsy Moth Caterpillars
Maintain Yard Cleanliness
Ensure your yard remains as clean as possible, removing any debris, dead branches, stumps, or potential egg-laying sites for adult female moths. Any discovered egg masses should be promptly destroyed.
Gypsy Moth Traps
Utilize gypsy moth traps to monitor populations and deter male moths from mating with females.
Tanglefoot Pest Barrier
Wrap Tanglefoot Pest Barrier around tree trunks to impede caterpillars from entering and exiting the canopy.
Insecticidal Sprays
To combat gypsy moth caterpillars, apply insecticidal sprays such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki or Monterey Garden Insect Spray (Spinosad) when the caterpillars are young (less than one inch in length). In cases of high populations, two or more applications spaced five days apart may be necessary.
AzaMax
AzaMax, containing azadirachtin, the primary insecticidal component of neem oil, inhibits pest insect growth and acts as a repellant and antifeedant. It is also non-toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects.
Least Toxic Plant Insecticides
Reserve the use of least toxic plant insecticides as a last resort. Derived from plants with natural insecticidal properties, these alternatives offer fewer adverse side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more rapidly in the environment.
Preventing Gypsy Moth Caterpillars
Insecticides stand as the most effective means of combating these unwelcome guests in your yard.
Mix and Apply Supreme IT
Supreme IT is a broad-spectrum insecticide approved for over 70 pests, including Gypsy Moth Caterpillars. Its long-lasting residual effect can deter pests for up to 90 days after treatment.
Calculate the required amount of Supreme IT by measuring your yard’s square footage.
Mix 0.125 to 0.25 fl. oz. of Supreme IT with a gallon of water to treat 1,000 square feet.
Use a sprayer to evenly distribute the solution across your yard and garden. Start at the back and work your way forward. Concentrate the spray on non-edible vegetation regions, avoiding fruit-bearing trees and flower gardens.
Create a barrier by spraying Supreme IT around the foundation, window frames, door frames, gaps, and crevices. Ensure that people and pets stay clear of treated areas until they are completely dry.
To maintain control over Gypsy Moth Caterpillars and minimize the risk of re-infestation, apply Supreme IT to your yard every three months, especially during the spring and fall when these pests are most active.
In conclusion, this guide aims to provide you with valuable information on controlling and preventing Gypsy Moth Caterpillars in your garden. Share your experiences and thoughts with us, and may your efforts lead to a pest-free outdoor sanctuary.
