WORRIED YOU MAY HAVE A GYPSY MOTH PROBLEM?
HAVE HSS's GM SPECIALIST SURVEY YOUR PROPERTY
NO CHARGE TO YOU.
CALL 616-837-6979
GYPSY MOTH CONTROL PROGRAM
The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is not a native to the US but was introduced in the 1860's from Europe in the hope of developing a hybrid silk worm. When some of these moths escaped they found the US a suitable habitat and have been expanding their infestation ever since. The gypsy moth is now one of the most notorious pests of hardwood trees in the eastern half of the US.
Gypsy moth undergo four developmental life stages:
- egg
- larva (caterpillar)
- pupa
- adult.
Commonly Asked Questions
Look for tan or buff-colored masses underneath the branches of trees, on the side of houses or on outdoor objects like sheds, rocks and swing sets.
These masses house between 500 - 1,000 gypsy moth eggs. These eggs hatch into caterpillars in April.
Contact your county extension program to see if they have a scout that can assist you.
Gypsy moth prefer oak trees but they will accommidate their tastes to almost all foliage including evergreens and schrubs.
Gypsy moth caterpillars are easy to identify, they have 5 pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots lining their back. In addition they are dark colored and covered with hairs.
When a gypsy moth caterpillar emerges from its egg mass it has a voracious appetite and will eat all green vegetation in sight!
The best way to treat heavily wooded areas that have been infested with gypsy moth is by applying Bt pesticide with agricultural aircraft during the caterpillar stage of the gypsy moth.
What is Bt?
Bt is a naturally occurring strain of Bacillus Thuringiensis spore. Bt is highly specific to gypsy moth caterplillar. The Bt must be ingested by the caterpillar to be effective.
Bt has been approved by the FDA to be used on organic produce up until the day of harvest. Because it is so specific it is a safe product to use around people and animals
For more information visit https://www.valentbiosciences.com/foresthealth/products/foray/#foray-76b
For properties under 50acres you will have to organize your neighbors to be included, properties above 50acre can contact us directly and we will make sure to help you get organized so your property can be treated .
Treatment for gypsy moth is very dependant on the weather and development stages of the caterpillar but historically treatment starts after Memorial Day until Mid June.
Aerial treatment does require a 50 acres minimum a to be effective. If your property does not meet the minimum amount of acres needed we can group neighbors and/or subdivisions together to provide you with cost effective treatment options.
Because of the nature of Bt you will not notice an immediate kill of caterpillars. First the caterpillars must consume the leaf with the Bt on it and after time the caterpillars will die. You will also not see a complete kill. What the Bt does is reduce the number of gypsy moth so that the damage is less and the population stays in a manageable number.
