Description:
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) feed on a wide range of plants including pines and spruces.
When the hosts are present and the infestation is light, gypsy moth prefer to feed on alder,
hawthorn, lindens, oaks (the most preferred tree), poplars and willows.
As infestation is increased, black gum, elms, hickories, and maples are eaten.
When infestations are at peak levels, the larvae also feed on arborvitae, beech, hemlock,
pines and spruce. Larvae seldom if ever feed on ash, balsam fir, catalpa dogwoods, holly,
junipers, sycamores or tuliptrees.
Conifers are usually killed by one severe year of heavy feeding.
Deciduous trees can usually tolerate several years of severe feeding before declining
and possibly dying, The adult male is brownish and the adult female is whitish.
The egg mass is about the size of a silver dollar and is light brown (tan).
The eggs are laid whereever the female feels like leaving them (in car wheel wells,
in side swing sets & gutters, sides of houses & trees, and so on).
Eggs hatch about mid-May. The larvae climb from where the eggs were laid on and spin a silk thread.
Using the wind they may be carried several hundred feet to several miles.
The larvae are covered with hairs that irritate many predators and sometimes, humans
may even develop irritations from the hairs.
When infestations are light the larvae feed mostly at night.
When infestation are heavy the larvae may feed continuously.
After about 6 to 7 weeks, the larvae are ready to pupate.
The larvae leave the trees to find a sheltered area.
Adults begin to emerge in July. Usually the males are out several days before the females.
Males can detect females as far as a mile away. The adults do not feed but die soon after
mating and laying eggs.
Control:
Trees and shrubs have specific nutrient and water requirements.
Take the time to determine what they need, and water and
fertilize properly. Most insects and diseases select trees and shrubs that are being stressed.
Keeping your trees and shrubs healthy will reduce the pests and diseases attracted to your foliage
and lessen the damage done if they are attacked.
Keep your yard as clean as possible. Remove discarded items, dead branches
(from the ground and out of the trees), stumps, etc., where the adult female
moth is likely to lay egg masses.
For chemical solutions, please check Kelly Solutions.