Gypsy Moth In Virginia
sticky band on tree

sticky band

Management Tips for Homeowners

The most effective means of treating potentially damaging gypsy moth populations is with chemical insecticides. However, there are other steps homeowners can take which can help to reduce populations.

 

Tree Banding

Burlap band on tree

burlap band

This tactic capitalizes on the behavior of older larvae which tend to migrate down the tree during the day to seek shelter. A variety of methods can be used with the intent of capturing and killing older larvae. Placing burlap bands around tree trunks provide a resting place for larvae which can be removed and killed by dropping them into a can of kerosene or soapy water. Sticky bands can be made using duct tape and a sticky substance such as TanglefootŪ , usually available at garden centers. Banding "kits" are available commercially, but homeowners should exercise caution when employing these, as they can be expensive. Homeowners should be aware that banding is a popular "feel good" approach which may result in the death and removal of large numbers of caterpillars, but generally does not significantly reduce the population. These methods are most effective when used in conjunction with other approaches, such as insecticides, and in areas where there are few trees and relatively low populations.

Egg Mass Treatments

Saturating egg masses before hatch with a solution of soybean oil and water will smother the gypsy moths within the eggs. This solution is available commercially as Golden Pest Spray Oil® (Stoller Enterprises, Inc.).  It also can be made at home from soybean oil and water (50:50 mixture). Physical removal and destruction of egg masses before hatch also can have an impact on populations, but this is a tedious and laborious process that works best in a limited area where egg masses can easily be reached.