Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Infestation - HELP! - Ask Extension
Our home is surrounded by trees and we've lived here for 7 years, and this year our trees are FULL of gypsy moth caterpillars. They are decimating t...
Knowledgebase
Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Infestation - HELP! #870391
Asked May 28, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
Our home is surrounded by trees and we've lived here for 7 years, and this year our trees are FULL of gypsy moth caterpillars. They are decimating the leaves on most of our trees (namely oak, maple, cherry, white pines, quaking aspen) and their feces are everywhere, to the point where it sounds like it is raining. I've called over 10 companies and no one offers any type of mitigation service. This seems like a serious problem for the health of our trees, and on top of that having their feces everywhere is plain disgusting. I'd appreciate any guidance on how to get rid of these for good. Thank you.
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
The key period to treat for spongy moth has already passed. It's most effective when aerial application occurs shortly after hatching of the caterpillars. Any insecticide application from the ground would not resolve the issue, since many of the caterpillars live high in the canopy.
The deciduous trees will be able to recover from spongy (gypsy) moth feeding, while you may see declines in your pine next season.
At this point, you could apply sticky bands or burlap wraps around the trees to kill and capture any caterpillars that climb upwards on the tree. See here for how to do this:https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/using-bands-to-protect-shade-trees-from-spongy-moth
I would also suggest contacting your local municipality to find out if they have resources they are able to allocate for spongy moth mitigation in Spring 2025. Some communities in the state have local spray programs based on severity of damage.
The deciduous trees will be able to recover from spongy (gypsy) moth feeding, while you may see declines in your pine next season.
At this point, you could apply sticky bands or burlap wraps around the trees to kill and capture any caterpillars that climb upwards on the tree. See here for how to do this:https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/using-bands-to-protect-shade-trees-from-spongy-moth
I would also suggest contacting your local municipality to find out if they have resources they are able to allocate for spongy moth mitigation in Spring 2025. Some communities in the state have local spray programs based on severity of damage.
