Since 1980, Maine has been overwhelmed with the Winter Moth or also known as the Gypsy Moth. Winter moths lay their eggs on trees, which their larva can destroy come the spring. A number of tree removals are due to this single pest. A previous method of preventing the winter moth has been covering the tree with tar which causes the moth to get stuck in the sticky trap, hopefully before they have laid their eggs. However, this method of pest prevention harms the trees as well. TREEGUY.com would like to share other ways that you can protect your home’s trees as well as a bit more about the winter moth.
Gypsy Moth Life Cycle; from Egg Masses Laid Under Tree Bank to Adult Moths
The winter moth is a not a native species, Nonetheless, they aggressively settle into large shade trees during late fall and the early winter season. These moths then go dormant throughout the entire winter season. The interesting thing about winter moths is that the female, regardless of their large wings, can’t fly. Only the males are capable of flying, which they use when in search of a female to mate with. After mating, the males die while the females look for a tree to lay her eggs in. The females will crawl up the trunk of the tree during mid to late November where she will then lay her eggs underneath the bark of the tree. The female will eventually die and come spring, the eggs will hatch. A winter moth can lay between 500 to 1000 eggs. When the caterpillars hatch, they will begin to eat all of the leaves off of the trees. They can defoliate multiple trees within two months after which they enter their crystalis state and then emerge as an adult winter moth. To prevent your trees and other surrounding vegetation from becoming a victim to these pests, there are steps that can be taken.
Sticky Tree Bands for Moths, Spotted Lanternfly & Other Insects
For decades the only defense against winter moths was by applying a thick tar around the base of the tree trunk. Since female moths are not capable of flight, they must crawl up the tree trunk to lay her eggs. The tar ring causes the moth to get stuck and she then dies. However, tar is somewhat toxic to the tree and doesn’t allow for healthy growth. Presently, there is another option. Instead of tar, use a tree band. Tree bands are a temporary device that you can put around the base of the tree trunk that is sticky just like tar. The tree band prevents moths, ants and other grounded pests from crawling up the trunk of tree. For those who want healthier trees and want to protect them from moths and other pests, tree bands are the recommended way to go. Moths that infest a tree can cause the tree to require immediate removal. Nothing can save the tree once the caterpillars hatch. If you want to avoid losing your trees, now is the time to protect them.
Emergency Tree Removal & More in Gorham, Lewiston, Brunswick, Saco, Cape Elizabeth & Greater Portland, Maine
If you have trees that need removal, pruning and more, contact TREEGUY.com. We provide emergency tree removal, inspection, storm clean up and more. For quality tree services, contact TREEGUY.com and schedule our services today.
