Here in the Hamptons this has become such a pest that it has defoliated several large stands of trees (oak being its favorite). Shortly after these guys cacoon, the gypsy moths come out and finish up. Between these pests and the multimillionares who like golf course style lawns, void of all biodiversity; who cut down what's left of the forest; we're going to be out of luck. I have also seen a greater resistance to pesticides such as Carboryl; if there is some other method besides this and the bacteria BT, PLEASE HELP!
T
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a) |
July 2006 |
Negative
Despite the cute children's song about inchworms, Paleacrita vernata is a serious pest in the eastern U.S., defoliating deciduous trees including birch, elm, maple, and cherry, and numerous other trees and shrubs.
In early July, the larvae finish feeding and are ready to pupate. They can be seen crawling down silken threads to the ground, where they prepare cocoons in the soil. The adult moths emerge at night from January through March to mate.
clehmann
Terry
In early July, the larvae finish feeding and are ready to pupate. They can be seen crawling down silken threads to the ground, where they prepare cocoons in the soil. The adult moths emerge at night from January through March to mate.