Winter Moth Quick Facts
Many local trees have been weakened by
winter moth caterpillars. Winter moth populations will continue to increase for the
next several years, spreading to previously
unaffected areas. We expect the impact to
unprotected trees to be severe and wide
spread in 2006.
Proactive treatments are required
to effectively manage this insect and
prevent damaging early season defoliation. Preventative treatments demand precise timing for maximum effetiveness;
a limited window exists in early spring when these insects are most vulnerable.
Winter moth larvae feed on a wide
variety of deciduous plants, trees and shrubs including: oak, maple, cherry,
crabapple, blueberry and azalea. Once hatched, the green caterpillars voraciously
feed in or on
leaf and flower buds until mid-June.
Hartney Greymont is managing winter moth through
a new class of pesticides, combining the efficacy of synthetic materials with
the benefits of biological controls.
These products, derived from naturally occurring
organisms, provide effective control of targeted insects
while alleviating concerns about chemical applications
and the environment.
This damaging pest is best treated
before buds and leaves open. A very
limited window exists for effectively
controlling this pest; a biological fact
that is beyond our control! We want
to be in the best position for planning, scheduling and implementing the
necessary actions against this insect, before your landscape is damaged.
For more information or to develop a care program
to help protect your important trees and shrubs, speak
with your arborist.
