Help please, these Spongy Moths are driving me crazy. - Ask Extension
We have an oak tree over our deck and it is full of Spongy moths. Is there a systemic insecticide that we can apply. The tree is huge and spraying all...
Knowledgebase
Help please, these Spongy Moths are driving me crazy. #869198
Asked May 20, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT
We have an oak tree over our deck and it is full of Spongy moths. Is there a systemic insecticide that we can apply. The tree is huge and spraying all the leaves is not possible. We can even go out and set and enjoy with out fracas all over everything.
Montcalm County Michigan
Expert Response
Insecticides are most effective for the smaller life stages of spongy moth caterpillars. Bt kurstaki, and contact insecticides with one of the following active ingredients may provide relief: carbaryl, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin.
Systemics would have needed to be applied a few weeks ago. Even if a systemic were applied tomorrow, it would take time for the product to move within the tree and by the time it's flowed to all parts, the caterpillars will have already reached adulthood.
If your trees are more than 10-15 feet, its unlikely that you'll achieve good coverage without aerial spraying or an arborist who has the correct equipment to have the insecticide reach and kill the caterpillars that are high in the foliage.
See here for additional information: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/spongymothinwisconsin/pest-management-2/management-guide-for-homeowners/
Systemics would have needed to be applied a few weeks ago. Even if a systemic were applied tomorrow, it would take time for the product to move within the tree and by the time it's flowed to all parts, the caterpillars will have already reached adulthood.
If your trees are more than 10-15 feet, its unlikely that you'll achieve good coverage without aerial spraying or an arborist who has the correct equipment to have the insecticide reach and kill the caterpillars that are high in the foliage.
See here for additional information: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/spongymothinwisconsin/pest-management-2/management-guide-for-homeowners/
