THE WINTER MOTH HAS PROVEN TO BE A DAMAGING INSECT.

In late November the adult stage of the “Winter Moth” emerge from the soil in large numbers. The males begin to fly around and mate with the non-flying females. The females then deposit egg clusters on tree trunks, branches, in crevices, on houses and just about anywhere they can crawl to. The eggs over winter, hatching when the temperatures average 55 degrees, usually occurring before bud break. Newly hatched caterpillars crawl up the trunks of the trees and produce a long strand of silk that can make many of them airborne; they can travel long distances from plant to plant.

The larva, a tiny caterpillar, tunnels into a leaf bud where it feeds from the inside out. A cooler spring, which could delay the opening of the leaf buds, may result in a longer feeding time and cause more damage or bud death. After bud break, the caterpillars continue to feed voraciously on foliage, capable of defoliating trees and plants, which will cause stress and may lead to plant death. The feeding continues until mid-June. Then the caterpillars, having completed feeding, go into the ground to pupate, preparing to emerge again in late November.

In order for these heavily defoliated and stressed plants to recover or survive they must put out a second set of leaves. Water is critical during this time.

Lupien Tree & Landscape is recommending that property owners PLAN NOW to control this very damaging insect.

Call our office now at: (617-965-8820) 
Your property will be evaluated and specific needs recommended.