We had a lot of reports of Spongy Moth Caterpillar infestation this spring and early summer. It is now the time that you will see dead moths on the ground around trees or on the trees themselves. To help reduce the number of caterpillars next spring, it is time to start eliminating the egg masses.
Egg masses are tan-colored lumps around the size of a nickel or a quarter (see pictures below). They can be found on outdoor surfaces, such as tree trunks, the undersides of branches, buildings, rocks, fences, retaining walls, firewood piles and picnic tables. The highest populations and most rapid population increases are usually found where oaks and other preferred species are growing on mowed lawns, street terraces or sandy soil.
If you find an egg mass, there are two options to help reduce pest numbers. The first is to spray horticultural oils directly on the egg masses to suffocate them. These oils are typically applied when temperatures are above 40 degrees and are not expected to dip below freezing for a few days. Adding a little food coloring to the spray mix helps identify the masses you’ve already treated.
Another option is to scrape egg masses into a can of soapy water, leaving them to soak for a few days before throwing them in the trash.
Click on Pictures below to enlarge
