Beginning around mid-June 2007, folks in the Sak’s Woods neighborhood began to notice a dramatic increase in the number of gypsy moth caterpillars on their trees. Shown above is a photo of several caterpillars on a tree on Boulder Lane on June 16 (how many can you count?). Many of us took action and have wrapped our most valuable trees with simple burlap skirts to allow easy harvesting of the caterpillars (they like to seek shelter under the burlap by day, and then ascend up to the tree canopy by night to feast on the leaves). Simply flick the caterpillars you find on your trees into a bucket of soapy water to kill them — it’s wholesome fun for the entire family!
For more information on the life cycle of gypsy moths, see these sites that discuss the life cycle and control methods and steps to minimize damage. After the caterpillars go into the pupae stage and become moths in the coming weeks, another control method to consider is gypsy moth traps that attract the males with female moth pheromones — this breaks the mating cycle, which will be very important for reducing the number of defoliating caterpillars next summer. Such traps are apparently also available at places like Bruce Company for around $7.
Our many mature trees add value and unique character to this fantastic neighborhood — now is the time to act to save them!
