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 widespread through 2009.

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 feed on leaf and flower buds until mid-June.

Proactive treatments are required to prevent damaging defoliation. Preventative treatments should be scheduled for early spring when these insects are most vulnerable.

HG now deals with winter moths with a new class of pesticides that combines the efficacy of synthetic materials with the benefits of biological controls. These products, derived from naturally occurring organisms, provide effective insect control without damage to the environment.

For more information on preventing winter moth damage please or call us or speak to your certified arborist.