Gypsy Moths

Gypsy Moth

 

These traps work well for the Gypsy Moths.

 

http://www.treehelp.com/ItemDesc.asp?IC=SS-GM12



 

Gypsy Moth populations have been present within the City of Mississauga for many decades. There was a significant increase in the populations in 2006 and 2007 with a return to normal levels in subsequent years.

 

As a result of a drier than normal spring and the early summer heat wave, the City of Mississauga is currently reporting a slight increase in the Gypsy Moth populations in certain areas of the City. All residents, especially those living in neighbourhoods with high a high density of oak trees, are asked to monitor their properties.

 

The City of Mississauga is monitoring population levels throughout the City but will not be conducting a City-wide
spray program or inspecting privately owned trees. Residents are encouraged to manage Gypsy Moth populations on private property by implementing the following Integrated Pest Management controls that have proven to be effective in the control of Gypsy Moth:

  • picking caterpillars off foliage and soaking them
          in soapy water to destroy them
  • placing sticky bands on tree trunks
  • installing burlap wraps around tree trunks and then
          collecting and destroying the caterpillars
  • using pheromone traps to capture and confuse male
          moths
  • scraping off and destroying egg masses
  • leaving wooded habitat around trees, shrubs and
          garden plants to encourage predators
  • watering infested trees

Please contact your local nursery or garden supply store for availability of materials and products listed above.

Learn more about these Integrated Pest Management techniques here. http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/pestmanagement?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=62800073

Although Gypsy Moth is a defoliating species, defoliation will cease early in the summer, and should not have a long
term impact on the health or survivability of the tree.

About the Gypsy Moth

 

Q

What is the Gypsy Moth?

A

The
   European Gypsy Moth is a defoliating insect that is considered to be a major pest
   in North America. The caterpillar, or larva
   stage of the insect, eats the leaves of trees, making them more susceptible
   to disease and or damage from other insects.

 

Q

How much damage can the Gypsy Moth cause to trees?

A

Tree
   damage depends on the degree of infestation and can range from light to
   almost complete defoliation. If the tree has been weakened or stressed by
   other conditions, the defoliation can result in the death of the tree.

 

Q

What kinds of trees are most affected by the Gypsy Moth caterpillar?

A

It
   prefers deciduous hardwood trees such as maple, elm and particularly oak. It
   may also impact apple, alder, birch, poplar and willow trees. When population
   densities are extremely high, the caterpillar will attack evergreens such as
   pine and spruce. They do not appear to like ash, sycamore, butternut, black
   walnut, dogwood or balsam fir.

 

Q

What is the lifecycle of the Gypsy Moth?

A

The
   moths are seen only in mid-summer. They exist only to mate and after the
   female lays its eggs, moths of both sexes die. They lay their egg masses on
   the limbs and trunks of trees, on rocks, buildings or in other sheltered
   areas. The egg masses remain in place all winter and hatch the following
   spring from late April to mid-May. Once hatched the caterpillars begin to
   feed for approximately seven weeks.

 

Q

Are there any natural predators to the Gypsy Moth?

A

Yes.
   Predators include other insects like wasps, flies, beetles, ants and spiders
   as well as birds such as chickadees, blue jays, robins and nuthatches. Animals
   such as chipmunks, squirrels and raccoons will also prey on the caterpillar.
   Diseases caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses also contribute to keeping the
   population levels within a normal range.

 

For more
information on Gypsy Moth, visit Natural Resources Canada
or contact the City by calling 3-1-1 or 905-615-4311 if calling outside of Mississauga