Red Maple leaf decimation - Ask Extension
Grand Rapids area. I transplanted about an 8ft red maple last summer from a local nursery. I just noticed today many holes in the leaves and tiny blac...
Knowledgebase
Red Maple leaf decimation #868307
Asked May 13, 2024, 9:31 PM EDT
Grand Rapids area. I transplanted about an 8ft red maple last summer from a local nursery. I just noticed today many holes in the leaves and tiny black caterpillar type insects on the tree. These same insects were all over our property/house about a week ago. I removed as many of them by hand as I could tonight but would like to know what I am dealing with, how serious of an issue it is and what else I can do to curb this issue. Any help is appreciated!
Barry County Michigan
Expert Response
The photo of the caterpillar is a bit blurry, so it's hard to be sure which critter is chewing on your maple tree. There are a few possibilities:
Spongy Moth Larva (formerly called Gypsy Moth). Below is information:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dealing-with-spongy-moth-around-your-home-or-property
Forest Tent Caterpillar. Their name is somewhat misleading because they do not create tents. Their preferred host is sugar maple, but likely any maple will do. They begin hatching around early May and often are seen crawling up the sides of buildings. Please see link below:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/forest-tent-caterpillars
Suggestions for control of FTC:
Spongy Moth Larva (formerly called Gypsy Moth). Below is information:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dealing-with-spongy-moth-around-your-home-or-property
Forest Tent Caterpillar. Their name is somewhat misleading because they do not create tents. Their preferred host is sugar maple, but likely any maple will do. They begin hatching around early May and often are seen crawling up the sides of buildings. Please see link below:
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/forest-tent-caterpillars
Suggestions for control of FTC:
- Removing egg masses from trees (especially during winter when they’re easier to find).
- Sweeping larvae and pupae from walls and trees with a stiff broom or pressure washer.
- Adhesive bands on tree trunks to capture larvae crawling up or down trees.
- Microbial insecticides including Bacillus thuringiensis, spinosad, and baculovirus, all of which can be applied with minimal effect on nontarget insects.
