Insect Identification - Ask Extension
Is this a Gypsy Moth Caterpillar? If so, can they be sprayed? We are finding them on our spruce. Any info or advice would be helpful. Thanks
Knowledgebase
Insect Identification #870314
Asked May 27, 2024, 5:01 PM EDT
Is this a Gypsy Moth Caterpillar? If so, can they be sprayed? We are finding them on our spruce. Any info or advice would be helpful. Thanks
Barry County Michigan
Expert Response
Correct, this is spongy (gypsy) moth. We are in the middle of an outbreak in parts of Mid and west michigan.
It's too late for insecticides to have much efficacy on the caterpillars once they've reached these sizes, as they'll pupate within 1 - 2 weeks anyway.
You could wrap sticky bands are barriers around the trees to prevent them from climbing up. See here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/using-bands-to-protect-shade-trees-from-spongy-moth
In early August and later, keep an eye on the trunk of trees for any egg masses. If you spot them, scrape off into a bucket of soapy water to prevent the eggs from hatching in the next Spring.
For next season, 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.
See here for additional information on control: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/spongymothinwisconsin/pest-management-2/management-guide-for-homeowners/
It's too late for insecticides to have much efficacy on the caterpillars once they've reached these sizes, as they'll pupate within 1 - 2 weeks anyway.
You could wrap sticky bands are barriers around the trees to prevent them from climbing up. See here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/using-bands-to-protect-shade-trees-from-spongy-moth
In early August and later, keep an eye on the trunk of trees for any egg masses. If you spot them, scrape off into a bucket of soapy water to prevent the eggs from hatching in the next Spring.
For next season, 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.
See here for additional information on control: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/spongymothinwisconsin/pest-management-2/management-guide-for-homeowners/
Thank you for the quick response.
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