Bacillus thuringiensis 
is harmful to moths and butterflies at their caterpillar stage of
development. Spores are activated in the stomachs of caterpillars that
eat vegetation sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis
causing death.
Barrier Bands
will prevent Gypsy Moth caterpillars from climbing select trees you wish
to protect from being defoliated. The use of
Gypsy Moth Lures and traps is not recommended as they tend to draw
these unwanted pests into your property, not all that are drawn in are
successfully eradicated. References
Gypsy moth: its history in America
Gypsy moths and the use of Bacillus thuringiensis
General Information About the Gypsy Moth -Va. Polytechnic Institute |
The gypsy moth is an old world native
which immigrated to the Americas In 1869- (they were intentionally
imported in an an effort to begin a silk operation.) Despite all
control efforts since its introduction, the gypsy moth has survived
and prospered while extending its range. Gypsy moth caterpillars
defoliate millions of acres of trees and shrubs annually in the
North AmericaThe Gypsy moth
caterpillars are black, yellow, and white, with red-brown dots and
tufts of hair all along body. The adult male gypsy moths and female
gypsy moths are easily distinguished from one another; the male
gypsy moths are brownish-gray, whereas the female gypsy moths are
white with black markings and slightly larger. The Adult female
gypsy moths Adult Male gypsy moths are aprox. 1-3 inches long.
Unlike the male gypsy moths the female gypsy moths are incapable of
flight. The Asian gypsy moth females however, do fly
They feed on over 300 species of trees and shrubs but they appear to
prefer oaks. Constant defoliation from gypsy moth infestations
season after season stresses trees and can / does lead to their
early demise. In residential areas gypsy moth caterpillars are an
extreme nuisance. Trees lose their foliage, caterpillars crawl
everywhere, and their droppings rain from the trees.
Like the Japanese Beetle the gypsy moths entered North America with
few natural enemies to keep its populations in check, it found a
favorable climate and an abundant food supply. Sounds something like
the pilgrims ...but that's another topic altogether.
|
|
Once it's established, there is presently no known way to eradicate
the gypsy moths , but several strategies to reduce the damage from
gypsy moths have proven effective.
Strategies include biological controls to slow the gypsy moths
population growth, removing gypsy moths egg masses, killing gypsy
moth caterpillars, and insecticide use .
Most Effective Gypsy Moth Controls
are
Bacillus thuringiensis
and Bioneem
|
