How to Stop the Gypsy Moth

The larvae stage of the gypsy moth does the most damage to trees.

The gypsy moth is an insect that can damage to deciduous hardwood trees, such as oak, elm and maples. During the caterpillar phase, large quantities of gypsy moths can cause substantial defoliation. Even though most trees can survive a gypsy moth attack, repeated attacks can kill a tree. To stop the gypsy moth in its tracks, combine attacks that combat all of the pest's life stages.

Things You'll Need

• Nonpreferred trees and plants
• Duct tape
• Petroleum jelly
• Water
• Dish detergent
• Knife
• Bird feeders
• Insecticide
• Burlap
• Gypsy moth traps

Instructions

1. Remove dead tree branches, boxes, old tires and cans from your property, because these can be used by the gypsy moth as a hiding place.

2. Incorporate plants and trees on your property that aren't preferred by gypsy moths. Include conifers, dogwood and honeylocust.

3. Wrap duct tape around a tree. Place the tape 4 feet up from the bottom of the tree and aim for a tape width of approximately 4 inches. Apply petroleum jelly all around the center of the duct tape. When gypsy moth caterpillars climb the tree, they will not cross the tape, but accumulate below it. Scrape the caterpillars off the tree with a knife. Soak them in water with dish detergent to kill them.

4. Attract birds that feed on gypsy moths. Place bird feeders around trees infested with gypsy moths. Birds, such as woodpeckers, crows, blackbirds, blue jays and robins, all eat the pests.

5. Apply insecticide to a piece of burlap. Tie the burlap around a tree. When the caterpillars climb the tree and walk over the burlap, the insecticide sticks to their feet. It gets absorbed into the body and eventually kills them.

6. Tie a piece of burlap around a tree. Allow the bottom part of the burlap to fall loosely around the tree; as if the tree is wearing a skirt. Gypsy moths will seek shelter and hide underneath the burlap. Frequently check underneath the burlap for gypsy moths. Remove the moths with a knife and kill them in soap water.

7. Disrupt reproduction of the gypsy moths. From late April to late September, hang commercial gypsy moth traps from a tree, approximately 4 feet above ground. Gypsy moth traps capture the adult male moth using a pheromone attractant of the female moth. Once the moth is stuck in the trap, it's unable to mate.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pesticides to eradicate gypsy moths and their egg masses. Because special equipment is needed to cover trees and large areas, this is best done by a certified applicator.

• Always wear thick gardening gloves when handling gypsy moths and their egg masses. Hairs on the eggs can trigger allergic reactions.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service: Gypsy Moth
• Gypsymothalert.com: Control of Gypsy Moths