Winter Moths Have Arrived in a Flurry

The column below was submitted by Lynch Landscape & Tree Service.

Over the last decade, many Massachusetts communities have reported millions of moths emerging around Thanksgiving and continuing into early January. Coincidentally, in the spring, these same communities have witnessed an astonishing number of small, green caterpillars hanging from trees, eating leaves and completely defoliating maples, oaks, cherries and other deciduous (non-evergreen) trees.

Bill Joseph, Massachusetts Certified Arborist of Lynch Plant Healthcare oversees the Winter Moth Caterpillar control division for Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. He is an industry expert regarding winter moth caterpillars, their life-cycle and homeowner treatment options.

“This is a very, very serious issue," Joseph said. "If you see any winter moths flying around your property, which are usually around exterior lights at night during the winter, chances are you will have green caterpillars in your trees come early April. Please know these damaging pests can wreak havoc on your trees in the spring.

“As a homeowner, please know that you cannot treat or control the actual winter moths at this time [November and December," Joseph continued. "An organic-based control agent is applied in the spring as the caterpillars become active and begin to feed on both flower and foliar buds.”

Recommendations for controlling winter moth caterpillars:

1) Call Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. to schedule a free estimate and consultation.

2) An estimate will be provided and, if accepted, you can schedule the Spring 2012 treatment(s). 

3) Depending on your property, severity and previous treatment history, two visits are recommended in the spring to ensure your trees are not devastated and completely defoliated.