2022 Note: It has been decided by the Entomology Society of Canada that the new common name for LDD/Gypsy moth is now Spongy Moth. Visit their website for more information. In future, MLF will refer to this moth as the Spongy Moth.
The Invasive Species Centre has a wealth of informative fact sheets and papers on their website at https://invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/invasive-species-resources/
We wanted to share these fact sheets about the Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar/LDD moth, formerly known as European Gypsy Moth) and management practices, since May and June are when we see those spongy moth caterpillars on maples and other trees.
Timely excerpts from these resources:
IMPACT of the Spongy Moth:
- A single Spongy Moth caterpillar can eat one square metre of leaves in a season
- Repeated defoliation makes trees susceptible to other pests and diseases, and can eventually lead to tree death
- Defoliation in orchards can increase vulnerability to agricultural pests and diseases and can negatively impact farm stock
- Loss of species in natural areas can affect biodiversity and forest wildlife
How to manage Spongy Moth Caterpillars
(April through June):
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
For private homeowners, BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) is available for purchase from local hardware stores to use against spongy moths. This biopesticide can be applied by a registered pesticide application company or by homeowners who have carefully read application instructions. BTK is a product that affects the digestive system of caterpillars and should only be applied between May and early June, when spongy moths are still in the larval (caterpillar) stage. Two spray applications are usually required for effective control. Application of BTK after mid-June is not an effective way to manage spongy moths.
On a larger scale (multiple properties or a forested area), Btk should only be applied by a professional pesticide application company and is most effective when supported by a team of landowners, landowners’ association, or municipality looking to manage spongy moths.
Spongy moth populations are also affected by a number of pests, including mice, birds, wasps, and a specific fungus and virus. The fungus and virus are believed to be the reasons spongy moth populations crash for ten or more years.
BURLAP/ TRAPPING
Caterpillars can be successfully trapped using burlap. Start by wrapping a 45 cm (18 in) wide strip around the tree at chest height. Tie a string around the centre and fold the top portion down to form a skirt, with the string acting as a belt. Pick off the caterpillars daily and dispose of them (see hand removal above).