GUELPH/ERAMOSA – As part of its July newsletter, the Township of Guelph/Eramosa is offering tips and information on to tackle the attack of the gypsy moth caterpillars.
The township does not have a gypsy moth spraying program currently in place but is providing month by month tips to help reduce the invasive species’ presence.
Here’s what they recommend:
May to July: hand picking caterpillars
Handpicking caterpillars is most effective on small newly planted trees, shrubs and plants infested with gypsy moth. If possible, gently shake the tree so caterpillars fall from the leaves.
Thoroughly inspect the remaining foliage, branches, and trunk for caterpillars and using gloves, pick them off your tree. Fallen and collected caterpillars should be placed in soapy water and left to soak in order to destroy them.
June to August: burlap banding
Once caterpillars grow to about an inch (2.5 cm) in length by mid-June, they will move down the trunk to seek shelter from predators and heat during the day. Reduce the number of larvae on the trees in your yard by trapping them.
This will require a burlap clot, twine or rope and a bucket of soapy water. Dish soap works well.
Wrap and secure a piece of burlap cloth around the stem/ trunk of your tree. Tie twine or rope around the center or slightly below the center of the burlap.
Drape the burlap cloth over the twine or rope so there is an overhang where the caterpillars can crawl underneath to seek shelter during the day.
Check the trap by lifting the overhanging cloth every afternoon and collect any hiding caterpillars. Put them into a bucket of soapy water for a few days to destroy them.
July to August: burlap wrapping
To trap female moths, wrap burlap lower on the trunk of the tree to trap the female moth (which are unable to fly) before it crawls up the tree and lays eggs. this is the same method used for the larger caterpillar stage. Once captured, drown the moths in soapy water.
August to May: egg mass removal
Survey your property for egg masses and scrape them off surfaces into soapy water to destroy them.
This will require a flat object such as a butter knife or plastic paint scraper. Catchment container or bag to collect the egg masses and a bucket of soapy water.
Place your catchment container below the egg mass. Use your scraper tool to remove the egg mass from the surface. Ensure that all eggs are scraped.
Try not to leave any residual eggs in bark ridges or crevices. Empty the contents of your catchment container of bag into a bucket of soapy water.
Leave eggs sitting in the bucket for a day or two, then dispose of the contents. Egg masses can be located high up in trees.
For year-round, the township recommends residents consulting with a professional such as an arborist for treatment options or contacting your local garden supply store for information on the availability of materials.
Further resources are available from the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/gypsy-moth.
