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A Homeowner Guide to Gypsy Moth
Gypsy moth was introduced to North America
for silk production interests more than 100 years ago. Unfortunately,
it escaped into our continental forests and has been spreading and
defoliating hardwood forests in the northeast ever since. It has
been found and eradicated several times in the last 60 years in
New Brunswick.
In recent years, 2001 and then again in 2002, Gypsy moth defoliated
mainly oaks and birches in south-central NB, in the Grand Lake area.
This most recent outbreak is the most significant on record for
Gypsy moth in the Maritime Provinces.
During outbreak conditions, when populations of this insect are
very high, homeowner experience in other jurisdictions ranks it
as public enemy number one in the lengthy list of insect pests attacking
urban hardwoods. The 80 mm (3 inches) long, hairy caterpillar’s
reputation is well earned and rests not only on its voracious appetite
for most every leafy plant around, but even more on the nuisance
it can make of itself in an urban setting.
As a homeowner what can you do? Citizens should learn as much as
they can about Gypsy moth and be encouraged to exert every effort
to search out and report the locations of their finds to municipal
authorities.
This information bulletin is intended to help homeowners learn
more about the various life stages of Gypsy moth, when to look for
them and hints where some of these life stages, particularly egg
masses, can be found.
Your efforts to search and report your finds to the City of Fredericton
is an important step that will assist authorities to assess as accurately
as possible the population level of Gypsy moth and where this insect
is found in the City.
Control Strategy: The control program proposed
has one simple objective, namely, to keep gypsy moth population
at a level sufficiently low to prevent a buildup of damaging tree
infestations in parks and wooded homesites, avoid the public nuisance
associated with swarming caterpillars around homes, and preclude
the need for widespread use of insecticidal sprays. What in effect
is proposed is a three stage project for municipalities, which is
designed to assess as accurately as possible the nature of their
gypsy moth “problem” and at the same time extend suppression
efforts to all developmental stages of the gypsy moth over a period
of six months or more, starting as early as April.
THE FOUR STAGES OF GYPSY MOTH
1. EGG:  Found
in clusters, or masses, each containing from 100 to 1000 eggs. Each
egg mass is encased in a protective secretion and covered with buff
to yellowish hairs which give it a velvety look like little pieces
of chamois. Egg masses are
normally about 4 cm (1 ½ inches) long and about 2 cm (3/4
inches) wide. Some bleaching may
be expected through weathering over the winter months.
2. CATERPILLAR:
Dark brown covered with tufts of hairs, some of which are short
and stiff, others quite long and thin. Young caterpillars are black,
very hairy and difficult to recognize, unless found near a tan colored
egg mass. Distinguishing features appear on the back
in early June when caterpillars are about 25 cm (1 inch) –
FIVE PAIRS OF BLUE SPOTS followed by SIX PAIRS OF BRICK RED SPOTS.
Starting in June they feed only at night and descend the trees each
day to seek shade in protected places on the trunk and in litter.
3. PUPA:  Shell-like,
dark reddish brown resting stage. Normally found in late July and
early August. Female pupae are much larger than the males.
4. MOTH: Male
and female moths look and behave quite differently. The fast flying
male has brown wings heavily streaked with  black,
and characteristic feather-like antennae. The much larger female
is unable to fly and has white wings with brown streaks. Females
attract males by emitting a smell, called a PHEROMONE.
ROOTING OUT GYPSY MOTH EGGS
WHEN: In early spring when snow is gone and before
buds break open. Also later, from mid-August through fall.
WHAT: Look for eggs clustered in a tan-colored,
velvety mass, about 4 cm
(1½ inch) long and 2 cm (3/4 inch) wide.
WHERE: On your property, almost anywhere outside you can
find a shaded or protected place.
Recreational vehicles are notorious carriers of egg masses. Any
vehicle having traveled last summer from any Gypsy moth and infested
areas in New Brunswick or travelling there later this summer, should
get very close scrutiny. Also check tent flaps, air mattresses,
etc.
Action: In Fredericton, do not remove egg masses
fitting above description. But report to City Forester. Call 460-2230.
DO NOT CARRY AROUND LIVE SUSPECTED GYPSY MOTH EGGS
HUNTING GYPSY MOTH CATERPILLARS
WHEN: Anytime from mid-May until late July.
WHAT:  Young
caterpillars very hairy, difficult to recognize, unless near a tan-colored
egg mass.
Older caterpillars appearing in early June. Can be easily captured
on trunk during their daily migrations from the crown.
Blue Dots (5 pairs) |
Red Dots (6 pairs) |
 Trap
with a burlap strip 30 cm (1 foot) wide, held in  place
by a cord tied in the centre and upper part folded down. Inspect
daily – and remove gypsy moth.
ACTION: SEEK ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION of caterpillars
fitting above description.
1. Preserve one or more specimens in alcohol for identification.
Destroy (squash) additional specimens.
2. Report or forward to City Forester. Phone 460-2230.
Caution: Do not handle gypsy moth caterpillars
needlessly as some people may develop an allergic response to their
body hairs.
Prepared in cooperation with Natural Resources Canada - Canadian
Forest Service
Please contact : Natural Resources Canada -Canadian Forest Service
(506) 452-3500
Additional Information / links
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