Gypsy Moths: A Problem for Many of Us

Gypsy moths can cause turmoil to many different types of trees if allowed to. They have been known to cause quite an annoyance to most of the east coast as well as some other random states in the US.

Gypsy moths were accidentally introduced into Massachusetts in 1869. By the year 1902, they have invaded the New England states as well as much of NY and NJ. By 1932, they have moved into much of PA and started wreaking havoc there as well. They then progressed south and west hitting many of the states of the US.

The male gypsy moths are dark and can fly. The females are white with brown markings and do not fly. Egg masses are light tan in color and the eggs are black. Each mass can contain up to six hundred eggs. The larval stage, or caterpillar stage, is hairy with yellow and black heads. The pupal stage is dark reddish brown. The egg masses are deposited by the female gypsy moths in July. The eggs hatch the following April to May. The young larvae feed on foliage. The larvae reach maturity in mid June to early July. Pupation takes place in late June to early July. One generation of these gypsy moths is produced each year.

Gypsy moths favor certain types of trees. They love to feed off of the leaves of oak, birch, beech, apple, spruce and pine trees. This can destroy a tree if they are left to do what they do.

Home owners can help to prevent the trees from being damaged. You can knock down their web like structures and put in a bucket of soapy water. This will kill the eggs and prevent them from further development. Having your yard sprayed with a special pesticide that is not harmful to humans or other animals is also an option. This is done by ariel spraying.

The most common pesticide for usage in killing the gypsy moths is called bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, or BTK. BTK is a naturally occurring bacterium that is found in soil. The EPA has approved the inactive spore form of the bacteria for use as a pesticide to control the gypsy moths. It is commonly used by organic gardeners to control pests in the garden. It is harmful to moths and butterflies but not to humans, birds, fish, or other insects. The caterpillars eat the spores and they die within seven to ten days.

The cost of the pesticide depends on how big of an area and if you go with a state program or privately owned company. The best time to do the spraying is in April and May. This will kill the caterpillars before they turn into the moths. Many states do assessments during the summer months to decide if spraying will be necessary the following year.

To find out more information on gypsy moths and how to rid yourself of them, check out your county's conservation site.