Controlling Gypsy Moth Outbreak (media release, March 3, 2021)
March 3, 2021 – The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is currently removing Gypsy Moth egg masses from trees on Conservation Authority property to help protect trees and shrubs from the invasive insects. This year’s generation of Gypsy Moth caterpillars will hatch in the spring.
“Yesterday, UTRCA staff scraped Gypsy Moth eggs off of trees in the campground at Wildwood Conservation Area, near St. Marys,” said Brandon Williamson, UTRCA Land Management Technician Brandon. “We’ve created a how-to video that shows people how they can help stop this invasive species by removing egg masses from trees on their own property.”
Gypsy Moth caterpillars can quickly defoliate trees and shrubs. If this happens in successive years, it can be weaken trees and make them susceptible to other stressors.
“We want to alert people to these non-native threats to trees and shrubs,” explained John Enright, UTRCA Forester. “We hope that landowners will take measures to protect the trees and shrubs on their own property.”
Video – How to Remove Gypsy Moth Egg Masses
A mature Gypsy Moth caterpillar is approximately 6 cm long, and can be identified by the pairs of dots along its back – five pairs of blue dots, followed by six pairs of red dots. The caterpillars feed mainly on the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs. Their favourite foods include oak, maple, birch, and serviceberry. The young caterpillars will hang from trees on silk threads and can be carried long distances by the wind.
UTRCA staff have also removed more than 8,000 egg masses from the City of London’s Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs). The UTRCA manages the ESAs under contract for the City of London.
Contact: Brandon Williamson, Land Management Technician, or John Enright, Forester