Sustaining healthy plants is our ultimate goal, and with that in mind, we offer the following gypsy moth control packages to deal with this continued pest problem.
Spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, is an invasive species that has had a population boom over the last few years. Many people have witnessed their trees losing leaves, being covered in caterpillars, and occasionally not surviving the stress. More than 300 trees and shrubs are susceptible to defoliation by gypsy moths.
This year is likely to be another year where the population is high. Natural predators are starting to have an effect on the population, but it takes time for them to reduce the population back to a balanced state where the trees remain healthy and happy. Here at WillowStone, sustaining healthy plants is our ultimate goal, and with that in mind, we offer the following gypsy moth control packages to deal with this continued pest problem:
- In early spring (March/April), assessment of properties to determine how many egg sacs are present and therefore, the likely population level in an area.
- In late spring (May/June), treatment with BTK, a bacterial spray that targets Lepidoptera (moth and butterfly) larvae. This is a safer gypsy moth control route than indiscriminate insecticides, as it does not kill or negatively affect other insects, such as bees. This treatment can be completed until the caterpillar’s face turns yellow, at which point it is too mature for BTK to affect it.
- In early summer (July), treatment with a general insecticide. Unfortunately, BTK doesn’t kill caterpillars above a certain size, so if any population remains into summer, treatment with a general insecticide is required.
An alternative to sprayed insecticides is a systemic, injected insecticide. This gypsy moth control treatment is more expensive than a single treatment with a spray but lasts the whole season and can be much cheaper than repeated sprays.
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After an assessment of your property has been completed, we will be able to discuss what trees you are interested in protecting/treating and what your best options are, whether that is sprayed treatments or injected treatments.
Your Collingwood, Ontario property may have a gypsy moth problem if you noticed any of the following signs last year:
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- Defoliation of trees or shrubs on yours or surrounding properties
- Visible caterpillars (hairy with red and blue dots on body)
- Visible egg masses (orange or pale yellow, fuzzy mounds on trees)
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FAQs About Gypsy Moth Control
Gypsy moths, now called spongy moths, are an invasive species that can severely weaken or kill trees if their population isn’t kept in check. They feed on a wide range of hardwood species, and heavy infestations can strip a tree of its foliage multiple years in a row, leaving it stressed and vulnerable to disease, pests, and environmental stressors. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about gypsy moth control.
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What are the signs of a gypsy moth infestation?
The most apparent sign is defoliation, which can occur quickly during the caterpillar feeding stage in late spring and early summer. You might notice large groups of caterpillars crawling on trunks, branches, or even nearby structures. The caterpillars are easy to identify, with hairy bodies and rows of distinctive blue and red spots along their backs. Another telltale sign is the presence of fuzzy, tan-colored egg masses attached to tree bark, branches, or outdoor surfaces like decks and fences.
How are gypsy moths controlled?
We take a multi-step, seasonal approach. In early spring, we inspect your property for egg sacs and assess population levels. Removing or treating egg masses early is a key step in reducing future caterpillar numbers. In late spring, we often apply a BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) spray, which is a naturally occurring bacteria that specifically targets moth and butterfly larvae without harming beneficial insects, birds, or mammals. If necessary, we follow with additional insecticide treatments in early summer to control any remaining larvae before they can cause severe damage.
Why is timely treatment necessary?
Gypsy moth caterpillars can consume enormous amounts of foliage in a short period. When trees are defoliated, they lose their ability to photosynthesize efficiently, which leads to stress, reduced growth, and a higher susceptibility to other pests and diseases. Early intervention is the best way to protect your trees from long-term harm and ensure they remain healthy and resilient year after year.
Contact WillowStone Today!
At WillowStone, we provide gypsy moth control services for residents of Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach, Meaford, and Thornbury, Ontario.