Battling Gypsy Moths — Is it too late?
I am walking down a beautiful trail, taking in the lovely scenery and BAM Gypsy Moth to the face. Not exactly what I classify as a peaceful stroll through nature! Don’t get me wrong caterpillars hanging from trees are just as part of nature as the beautiful cardinal chirping in the maple tree, however, the cardinal tends to not invade my personal space as I take in the beautiful Canada we live in.
One thing about Gypsy Moths that has really caught my attention this year is that those hairy little guys have really amped up my allergies. Did you know that the little hairs on these guys contain Histamine. That’s right, itchy, scratchy, rash inducing histamine. Now we all react differently, but let me tell you, some of the stories I’ve heard from friends and neighbours! Some are just horrendous! I had a friend who had major rash symptoms from a gypsy moth landing on their neck, they even had a hard time breathing! Sounds like a horror movie? I think so!
It’s July … Isn’t it too late to address Gypsy Moth (Lymantria Dispar) issues?
Well, it’s definitely a little late to apply a BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) solution to protect your trees, but not all hope is lost. Gypsy moths spread easily and quickly, so be thorough in your search! In July pupae and egg masses can be found in many places around our own backyard.If you see pupae or egg sacks don’t ignore them. Physically removing them goes a long way into protecting your trees for next year!
Here are some common areas to search:
- underneath branches
- on tree trunks
- fences
- patio furniture
- firewood
- swing sets, boats, etc.
How do I collect egg sacks and pupae properly?
This is the fun part! Feel free to use your hands and a knife to scrape and collect the pupae and eggs into a bucket. *Be sure to wear gloves when handling pupae, don’t forget their hairs contain histamine!* If you’re a little squirmish like me, a shop vac can be used to suck them up. (PSSST … don’t forget to remove the filter!)
Now that you have taken a lovely stroll around your backyard and removed all these masses, what do you do with the eggs? Easy, BURN THEM! No, simply put them in a hot soapy water, bleach or ammonia based solution.
Our Technical Director Daniel Mackie has filmed a great video showing you were to look and how to collect pupae and egg masses. Check it out here:
What about next year?
At GreenLeaf Pest Control we are firm believers that preventative measures in pest control go a long way. If Gypsy Moths devastated trees on your property this year, be sure to have a preventative treatment completed in the early spring season (April/May). Timing is very important when it comes to treating Gypsy Moths at larval stage. Pre-Book your appointment with us today and ensure you are covered for 2022! Contact us at (416) 998–9473 or info@greenleafpestcontrol.com to save your spot!
About the Author:
Amanda Pereira, the Operations Manager at GreenLeaf Pest Control, is always happy to help customers with their pest issues. She is a proud Golden Hawk graduating with an Honours BBA (Marketing) from Wilfrid Laurier University. In her spare time, she likes to walk and take pictures of nature.
